Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Homes are going for about $133,000 on average. Rent is about $859/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots? TIA! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Jordan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 34, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Midtown and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Houston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
38 upvotes
Declan R.
great question, following
30 upvotes
Luna Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Anna Rivera
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Riverside area are excellent. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Matthew T.
literally same
20 upvotes
naomi_mama
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
18 upvotes
aiden_guy
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
15 upvotes
Theodore Patel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Minneapolis it's decent.
13 upvotes
Serenity
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Hope this helps!.
9 upvotes
Ella
I work in tech here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..