Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 15 months ago and Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
12 Replies
Scarlett Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Ryan
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Riley Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 32, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. tough 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
24 upvotes
Kennedy C.
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Vincent S.
I'm a social worker and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Isla Martin
great question, following
18 upvotes
Chloe Cook
noted, appreciate it
14 upvotes
Audrey
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Uptown area are average. Kids love it here.
13 upvotes
phillyheart2022
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
8 upvotes
Elijah
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Emily Garcia
good to know, thanks
4 upvotes
Bennett Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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