I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $484,500, which is pretty steep. Rent is about $2,008/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Ezekiel G.
glad someone said it
38 upvotes
Valentina H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 11 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Wyatt Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 52, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
28 upvotes
Zoe Morgan
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Landon Thomas
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
dc_alexander
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Ryan Thomas
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Meadowbrook area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.