Random thought, I'm originally from Memphis and Rent is about $1,995/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
16 upvotes
7 Replies
Camila
Came here for family and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The housing market is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
40 upvotes
Piper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
33 upvotes
hannah_heart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Lucas Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Jameson Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Hudson Nelson
Moved here from Seattle about 3 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Cora
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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