Hello, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 70--F, so it's warm year-round. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
29 upvotes
21 Replies
Amelia Gonzalez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
40 upvotes
Ian Peterson
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Sophie Wright
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's hit or miss.
40 upvotes
Jaxon Cooper
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Madeline K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
38 upvotes
Sadie W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Julian Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Ryan S.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
William Jones
+1
23 upvotes
Kayden Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Dallas about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Silas Anderson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
23 upvotes
Jose Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
river_amelia17
bump
16 upvotes
Parker Diaz
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
Madeline Bennett
Bought a house here in 2020 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
Piper Campbell
seconding this
12 upvotes
Isla
Totally agree!
5 upvotes
Gianna W.
I work in construction here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Liam Green
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Miles Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
0 upvotes
Weston Anderson
I've lived in Midtown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The housing market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
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