The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. What do you all think?
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Anna Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 57, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
39 upvotes
Michael B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Jackson K.
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Easton Lewis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Luna
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Everly Gonzalez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Chicago about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Edward W.
facts
27 upvotes
Jordan Castillo
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The community vibe is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Bella Jackson
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
21 upvotes
Abigail Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Elijah B.
couldn't agree more
15 upvotes
Julia H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Austin it's decent.
14 upvotes
cora_runner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
13 upvotes
Joshua
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in marketing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..