Hello, Homes are going for about $241,500 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
Robert C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in construction. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Harper M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Nashville it's pretty good.
35 upvotes
Zoe J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Roman Long
facts
21 upvotes
Axel Roberts
accurate
21 upvotes
Audrey Davis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
11 upvotes
Lisa B.
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.
9 upvotes
Cora Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (North) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
9 upvotes
Madeline Young
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
4 upvotes
Jordan Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Amy M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Violet G.
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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