Hello, Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Homes are going for about $610,100 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. 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. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Joshua P.
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
37 upvotes
oaklandsoul2023
accurate
28 upvotes
columbus_adrian
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Jordan A.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Dallas about 1 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
portland_nolan
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Cameron Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Kayden Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Janet B.
Moved here from LA about 14 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cost of living but Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Kai Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Aaliyah Scott
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is excellent in most areas.
13 upvotes
Jordan Y.
Used to live on the South side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
0 upvotes
dcwalker2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Fairview) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. food 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.
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