I'm a 29-year-old project manager and The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $44,021, which feels on the lower side for the area. Homes are going for about $195,100 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Am I wrong here? Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
Amelia Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 54, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in North and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Denver, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
21 upvotes
Emily Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 7 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..