Hey, Just moved here 17 months ago and You can expect to pay around $830 for rent here. Median household income is $39,714, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots?
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Landon Y.
underrated comment
39 upvotes
orlandomind2023
yep
34 upvotes
Olivia Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
25 upvotes
Ella Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 46, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
Parker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
Parker Nelson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Aaron T.
honestly same experience here
21 upvotes
Eliana
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Jace Turner
yep
12 upvotes
Lydia Ward
this is the way
11 upvotes
atl_adeline
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
10 upvotes
Andrew R.
This.
6 upvotes
Lucy Diaz
hard disagree but ok
2 upvotes
Chloe Mitchell
I've lived in West for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- The school system scene is average
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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