Hi all, Homes are going for about $206,300 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Eugene R.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Ellie Howard
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Naomi A.
noted, appreciate it
35 upvotes
Maya
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Ezekiel Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Hazel Gonzalez
thanks for sharing
24 upvotes
Everly R.
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 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
24 upvotes
Adam Diaz
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Leah Robinson
good to know, thanks
12 upvotes
Gabriel Lopez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Emma Lewis
this is the way
6 upvotes
Paisley Murphy
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Hannah Price
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 community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..