Not sure if this has been asked before, but I've been here for 18 years and It's a a small town city with about 13,861 people. The median home value here is around $249,800, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $1,151/month for a decent place. Median household income is $81,080, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Greyson King
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
Ethan Cooper
wish I knew this sooner
24 upvotes
Colton D.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's tough.
22 upvotes
Anna
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
7 upvotes
Harper Stewart
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Luke Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 28, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in West and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
4 upvotes
Jameson C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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