Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 28,222 people. Homes are going for about $323,500 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Forney sits at 126.1 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What do you all think? Appreciate any input. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
21 upvotes
18 Replies
Mia Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 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 2-bed in Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Lily R.
I work in tech here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Santiago Alvarez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Aurora G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Landon Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Victoria
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Lillian Adams
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
23 upvotes
John Perez
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
Connor Reyes
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
19 upvotes
Camila King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 15 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Addison Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Allison Anderson
accurate
13 upvotes
Joseph R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Maple Ridge, 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. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
12 upvotes
Paisley Castillo
I've lived in Sunset for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
phoenix_mackenzie
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
la_dylan
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Thai places. the quality of life is solid.
6 upvotes
Maya Sanchez
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
Silas Lewis
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
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