Median household income is $144,156, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $1,224 for rent here. The median home value here is around $463,500, which is pretty steep. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Good schools
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons:
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Not enough green space
What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
14 Replies
Dominic Foster
I'm a marketing manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Joseph B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
38 upvotes
Grayson Reed
preach
38 upvotes
Cooper
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Benjamin Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Nevaeh Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Highland) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
30 upvotes
Noah Gray
hard disagree but ok
27 upvotes
Gabriella Miller
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
27 upvotes
William R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Tampa about 1 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Cora B.
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Zoey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Joseph S.
lol so true
11 upvotes
Bennett Moore
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
9 upvotes
nycguy2020
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
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