Hi all, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What would you do? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
37 upvotes
16 Replies
Sarah F.
this is the way
40 upvotes
Bradley W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Skylar Chavez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Parker Watson
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Joseph D.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Atlanta it's pretty good.
35 upvotes
Grayson Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Parker Brown
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is underrated in most areas.
33 upvotes
Ellie Morris
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Sunset area are improving. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Victoria B.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The housing market is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Julia Baker
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Autumn Hughes
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
carson_mama
wish I knew this sooner
13 upvotes
happy_david33
Totally agree!
6 upvotes
Landon Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
4 upvotes
Kai N.
exactly what I was thinking
3 upvotes
Anthony B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 43, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
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