Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $3,098 for rent here. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Quinn Cox
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
raleighdude2024
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cost of living is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Leah Foster
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
29 upvotes
Hailey Anderson
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Lucy Diaz
bump
27 upvotes
Robert E.
same here
22 upvotes
Sofia Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
21 upvotes
Clara Torres
I work in finance here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is better than expected. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
desert_violet27
Totally agree!
20 upvotes
Aubrey Morales
Moved here from Nashville about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to school system but Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Leah Jones
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Emilia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..