Been meaning to ask this. Anyone in a similar situation?
26 upvotes
9 Replies
Isabella R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Baltimore about 3 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Ruby Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
28 upvotes
Aiden Miller
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
tucsonlover2021
accurate
23 upvotes
atlrider2020
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
kayden_rider
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Dallas about 8 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Joseph Allen
exactly what I was thinking
6 upvotes
Xavier
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
2 upvotes
Nova H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.