Hey folks, My partner and I are Rent is about $2,468/month for a decent place. Median household income is $163,544, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
23 upvotes
5 Replies
Serenity J.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Cora Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 34, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
Santiago Ward
been saying this for years
17 upvotes
Maverick
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Sunset and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
1 upvotes
Katherine
Bought a house here in 2020 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.