Anyone else feel this way? Homes are going for about $152,300 on average. Poverty rate is 14.5%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
30 upvotes
15 Replies
James
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Hazel Wright
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's improving.
32 upvotes
Ezekiel
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
Ezra Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 58, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Greenfield and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. hit or miss 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 Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
lake_olivia41
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (East) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
20 upvotes
Joseph
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Houston it's underrated.
20 upvotes
Joshua W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
19 upvotes
Victoria W.
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
11 upvotes
Ella Hill
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Kinsley Davis
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great farm-to-table places. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Luke Collins
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Grace
hard disagree but ok
7 upvotes
Gabriella
following this thread
7 upvotes
Jayden Gutierrez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Lillian Clark
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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