Just moved here 10 months ago and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Beverly M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Uptown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
39 upvotes
Kayden H.
I'm a project manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Caleb S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from LA for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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. Limited public transit options. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
James Castillo
big facts right here
35 upvotes
Samantha B.
yep
32 upvotes
Benjamin James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 27, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
28 upvotes
Jayden Wilson
following this thread
28 upvotes
Brooks Brooks
spot on
22 upvotes
Vivian C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Brielle James
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Emmett Long
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Thomas
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Italian places. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Savannah Scott
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Gabriella Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Ariana Morales
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
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