Hello, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? TIA! It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Gabriel K.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Leo Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
David
underrated comment
34 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
thanks for sharing
34 upvotes
Colton Edwards
This.
31 upvotes
Sadie Long
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
28 upvotes
Everett Adams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Thomas Ruiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Colton Gutierrez
haha yep pretty much
20 upvotes
Jack S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 33, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
17 upvotes
Kathryn R.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Natalie Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 26, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
All Countries
