Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Atlanta and Median household income is $58,884, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,114/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 60°F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 13.6%, which is around average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
57 upvotes
15 Replies
Paisley Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 56, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Francisco, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
35 upvotes
Aaron Cox
Moved here from Minneapolis about 6 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to community vibe but Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Jace Hall
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
34 upvotes
Levi
This.
33 upvotes
Ian
underrated comment
27 upvotes
Angel R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
Wyatt M.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Everly Rivera
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Nashville about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
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 underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Waylon Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
dcdude2023
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely pretty good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Springfield) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
13 upvotes
Serenity White
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Wesley Ross
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The traffic is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Weston Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Isabella A.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
