So, I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,709/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 13.2%, which is around average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
3 upvotes
12 Replies
Brielle C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
39 upvotes
Kaylee R.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The safety is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Eli
great question, following
30 upvotes
Henry D.
facts
29 upvotes
Joan S.
thanks for sharing
26 upvotes
Joseph Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
21 upvotes
Leonardo Miller
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
Madeline Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Chloe King
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Springfield area are solid. Kids love it here.
15 upvotes
Cora T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Midtown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
phillylocal2021
Moved here from Denver about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Chloe Ramirez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
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