Hi all, I'm originally from Albuquerque and The median home value here is around $143,000, which is actually reasonable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Adam Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Julia Lewis
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Delilah
Moved here last year, no regrets.
16 upvotes
Alice Young
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
9 upvotes
Declan T.
preach
5 upvotes
Anna King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
