Random thought, I relocated for work and Median household income is $62,977, which feels about average for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? Looking forward to hearing from you all. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Emily Howard
literally same
29 upvotes
Rebecca M.
Came here for weather and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Violet Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Dallas about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Abigail Ross
+1
25 upvotes
Nathan P.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Eastside area are improving. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Isabelle Hernandez
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in South area are improving. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Dorothy W.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Victoria R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
16 upvotes
aria_soul
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Nashville about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
11 upvotes
emily_walker
I've lived in Midtown for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The outdoor recreation scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Ava Flores
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
6 upvotes
Eleanor Williams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
5 upvotes
Hailey Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Henry Alvarez
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much developing but now it's improving.
4 upvotes
Jace Hughes
Moved here from Austin about 10 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to dating scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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