Hi all, Been living here since 2018. Homes are going for about $177,700 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What are your go-to spots?
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Emilia Kelly
yep
37 upvotes
Robert Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from San Diego about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Anna
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Rylee
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
35 upvotes
Stella Sanchez
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
David Garcia
exactly what I was thinking
29 upvotes
Sofia
100%
22 upvotes
Weston Ross
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
Thomas Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 13 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Kathleen T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Nashville about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Katherine Gomez
honestly same experience here
4 upvotes
Austin Lee
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
3 upvotes
tucsonlocal2021
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.