Hey everyone, I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 48°F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
47 upvotes
7 Replies
Caroline Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 56, moved here 5 years ago from LA. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
38 upvotes
Emily
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
22 upvotes
Jackson Nelson
bump
22 upvotes
Arianna Cook
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Thomas Miller
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
6 upvotes
Brittany C.
Came here for school and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cost of living is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Luke C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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