Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $416,500, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
William Martinez
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Leonardo Garcia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are decent. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Road conditions need improvement. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Piper
Moved here from Tampa about 6 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to healthcare but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Grayson E.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Southern places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
37 upvotes
Kinsley James
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Ella J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 51, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
Quinn Harris
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Asian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
30 upvotes
Emma G.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
21 upvotes
Anna
yeah no that's not right
20 upvotes
Lucas Turner
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Quinn Cruz
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Sophia Adams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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