So, I'm a 27-year-old teacher and Crime rate is something to consider -Jackson sits at 971.4 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
27 upvotes
21 Replies
Evelyn Richardson
Moved here from Houston about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Daniel Phillips
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Claire Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
36 upvotes
Everly A.
haha yep pretty much
35 upvotes
Ariana Cruz
I work in real estate here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is excellent. No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Dominic J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Robert O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 8 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
29 upvotes
Daniel Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Chloe Wright
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Genesis
seconding this
20 upvotes
Jaxon Smith
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
18 upvotes
indypapa2023
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Maple Ridge area are underrated. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
David Alvarez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
13 upvotes
Ian Smith
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Anna Howard
I work in finance here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Nova Long
bump
11 upvotes
Harper Collins
facts
11 upvotes
Joseph Jackson
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
8 upvotes
Serenity A.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Ruby
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Austin it's tough.
All Countries
