Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Crime rate is something to consider -Johnson City sits at 425.6 per 100K. It's a a smaller city city with about 71,455 people. Rent is about $957/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Nevaeh
bump
37 upvotes
Levi Campbell
same here
36 upvotes
Cooper Kim
couldn't agree more
32 upvotes
Nicholas Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Phoenix, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
26 upvotes
Madeline Cruz
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is excellent in most areas.
22 upvotes
Jack Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 46, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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