Longtime lurker here, I've been here for 3 years and It's a a smaller city city with about 61,097 people. Homes are going for about $555,500 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
6 upvotes
4 Replies
loving_liam65
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is decent in most areas.
15 upvotes
Nora Murphy
bump
10 upvotes
Mia Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. solid 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 Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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