I'm originally from Dallas and Poverty rate is 29.0%, which is higher than I expected. Median household income is $39,258, which feels on the lower side for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
2 Replies
John Young
great question, following
18 upvotes
Dominic Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
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