Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $600,600 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Any help is appreciated. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
23 upvotes
6 Replies
Nolan M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Victoria Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 46, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
35 upvotes
Evan Cook
Came here for cost of living and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The food scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Jackson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Dallas it's improving.
17 upvotes
Genesis Wood
this is the way
10 upvotes
Carter Gomez
I work in engineering here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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