Hey, Born and raised here. The median home value here is around $199,600, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cheers. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
30 upvotes
8 Replies
Violet J.
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
Zoe Myers
as a local I can confirm
33 upvotes
fresno_victoria
lol so true
33 upvotes
Jace Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 52, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
31 upvotes
Emily L.
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
22 upvotes
Ruby C.
big facts right here
20 upvotes
Elizabeth Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Jacob Hughes
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.