First post here. Been living here since 2015. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,299/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Should I be concerned?
6 upvotes
4 Replies
Reagan Rivera
100%
40 upvotes
Kinsley R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 57, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K 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.
33 upvotes
Owen K.
+1
13 upvotes
Leo Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
