Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 10 years and Median household income is $55,429, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $238,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Johnson City sits at 425.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. With a population of 71,455, Johnson City is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
Pros:
- Friendly people
- Low crime in most areas
- Close to nature
- Lots of new development
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Limited dining options
- Lack of diversity
- Poor road conditions
It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up.
17 upvotes
25 Replies
Alexa Cook
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
Alexa Carter
I work in retail here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Savannah Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Harper Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Camila Thompson
not my experience at all
32 upvotes
Katherine Stewart
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Mason Scott
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Kai Edwards
+1
31 upvotes
Aaron M.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The healthcare scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Savannah Gutierrez
Totally agree!
23 upvotes
David Young
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
21 upvotes
Nora Torres
following this thread
15 upvotes
Aiden Jimenez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
15 upvotes
Elijah H.
Moved here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
eleanor_local
interesting, hadn't considered that
14 upvotes
Cora Kim
underrated comment
13 upvotes
Kinsley Long
I've lived in Sunset for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Stella W.
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Isla Cook
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Indian places. it exceeded my expectations.
10 upvotes
Scarlett Williams
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Kennedy C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 11 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Ellie Roberts
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Peyton Rogers
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Indian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
5 upvotes
Jack
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 45, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. challenging 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
3 upvotes
Aiden W.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor recreation is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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