Hey, I'm a college student here and Rent is about $530/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -La Alianza comunidad sits at 2,771.8 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Allison
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Mason Anderson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Lydia Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 26, moved here 9 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Fairview and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
32 upvotes
Colton Garcia
Bought a house here in 2024 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
Genesis Ramos
Bought a house here in 2017 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
28 upvotes
William Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Nicholas Hall
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great seafood places. the quality of life is solid.
14 upvotes
Thomas Roberts
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
Harper R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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