The median home value here is around $238,000, which is actually reasonable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this? Appreciate any input. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
7 Replies
milwaukee_jackson
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Dominic
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Old Town and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
13 upvotes
Mia M.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. housing market used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
Daniel Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
Gabriella Ruiz
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.