First post here. We're a young couple and Homes are going for about $174,800 on average. The median home value here is around $174,800, which is actually reasonable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thanks! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
59 upvotes
2 Replies
Levi Baker
hard disagree but ok
26 upvotes
Jordan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from Austin for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.