Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 4.4%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $2,180 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
58 upvotes
3 Replies
Angel L.
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
18 upvotes
Wesley Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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