Hey, There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. TIA! Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
bostongirl2024
same here
38 upvotes
Ezra Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Jameson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. average 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 San Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
37 upvotes
Katherine Reyes
I work in government here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Eli Baker
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Mia
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Everly P.
this is the way
17 upvotes
James Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Tampa about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Stella R.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The cultural scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Carson E.
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Janice N.
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.
8 upvotes
Allison Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.