Hey folks, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Average temperature is around 72°F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 16.1%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Elizabeth Martin
been saying this for years
34 upvotes
Avery Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 55, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Westside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.