My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $351,600 on average. The median home value here is around $351,600, which seems about average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts. TIA! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
16 upvotes
4 Replies
Angela C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
30 upvotes
Ava C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
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.
26 upvotes
Grace Green
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
William Gray
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
All Countries
