Hey folks, Homes are going for about $492,400 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Cheers. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
vegas_carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Clara Edwards
exactly what I was thinking
31 upvotes
Axel Cook
Saving this thread
31 upvotes
James R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Kinsley
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The public transit is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Scarlett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Seattle 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 Midtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Helen O.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
columbus_aiden
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Jace Wright
been saying this for years
6 upvotes
Autumn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
5 upvotes
Jackson Jimenez
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
5 upvotes
Lucy T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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