Random thought, I've been here for 3 years and It's a a small town city with about 12,607 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
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Aria G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Raleigh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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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