Homes are going for about $162,000 on average. The median home value here is around $162,000, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $920 for rent here. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Ezra H.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
30 upvotes
oaklandnative2020
yeah no that's not right
25 upvotes
Jose Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - 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 outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
24 upvotes
Julia Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Miami for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Cameron
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Alexander Thomas
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The pet-friendliness is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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