Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 7 years and Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 9.5%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
14 Replies
cincy_nicholas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from LA about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Natalie
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
39 upvotes
Luke
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The dating scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
happy_everly70
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Savannah Edwards
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
34 upvotes
Evan Hernandez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Teresa C.
Moved here from San Diego about 8 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to housing market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Caroline Cox
Came here for work and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The nightlife is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Isabelle Cox
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Lily
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
sunny_kinsley91
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Audrey T.
This.
11 upvotes
Kelly W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. challenging 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
6 upvotes
Elena R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 14 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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