Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,186 people. Median household income is $109,683, which feels pretty solid for the area. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
18 upvotes
7 Replies
nolan_mind
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
37 upvotes
Julia Scott
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
29 upvotes
Bennett Gomez
This.
24 upvotes
Sophie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Decent public transit for the size
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
Ryan Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 27, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. tough 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Aubrey Adams
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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