I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,310/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 20,940 people. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Victoria Evans
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
charlottesoul2026
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much affordable but now it's underrated.
23 upvotes
Robert Gonzalez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
10 upvotes
Ezekiel Taylor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Seattle it's surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
Angel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Valentina Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour 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.
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