Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $105,000, which feels pretty solid for the area. Homes are going for about $304,400 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
3 upvotes
2 Replies
loving_kinsley32
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Evelyn Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 37, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The pet-friendliness situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.