Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $761 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Scarlett Smith
it depends on the neighborhood
21 upvotes
Stella Thompson
big facts right here
19 upvotes
Madelyn King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
8 upvotes
Nathan C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Aria Reed
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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