I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $159,700, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $73,393, which feels about average for the area. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Anyone in a similar situation? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
10 upvotes
3 Replies
Dominic Bailey
Bought a house here in 2015 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
23 upvotes
Eli
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
20 upvotes
Naomi
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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