OK so I'm originally from Orlando and Median household income is $110,177, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,052/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 46,945 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
16 upvotes
5 Replies
Grayson Gonzalez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Carson Lee
seconding this
31 upvotes
Brielle Diaz
accurate
28 upvotes
urban_william43
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Silas Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 35, moved here 2 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.