First post here. My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $73,608, which feels about average for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned? It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Hunter Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Reagan Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 44, moved here 6 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Sophie Cooper
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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