Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,066/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I wrong here? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
cool_benjamin70
facts
38 upvotes
Lucy L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 31, moved here 5 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Eastside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. decent 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Aubrey C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Meadowbrook. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Ian Patel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Atlanta it's improving.
27 upvotes
Wyatt R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Boston it's underrated.
22 upvotes
Mateo P.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Brielle H.
I'm a electrician and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is average and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Robert E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Sara H.
following this thread
2 upvotes
Nicholas
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..