Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 36-year-old social worker and Median household income is $40,169, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 13.9%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 42--F, so bundle up in winter. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Has anyone dealt with this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Rylee Clark
preach
40 upvotes
Brenda M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Austin, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
36 upvotes
Ava C.
accurate
31 upvotes
Brooklyn Evans
Used to live on the South side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
31 upvotes
Santiago King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Cora Martin
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Ella J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Jackson L.
Bought a house here in 2020 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
12 upvotes
Weston Williams
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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