Rent is about $1,089/month for a decent place. What do you all think? Looking forward to hearing from you all.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Mason Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
36 upvotes
Chloe S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
nycmind2021
lol so true
28 upvotes
Connor
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Silas
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Mateo Brooks
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Alice Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Raleigh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Randy R.
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Anna Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Midtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
7 upvotes
David L.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is decent in most areas.
5 upvotes
Landon King
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Meadowbrook area are improving. Kids love it here.