Random thought, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $1,083 for rent here. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $69,161, which feels about average for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
William S.
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
Lydia Cooper
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Miami it's challenging.
38 upvotes
Jonathan W.
I'm a chef and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Jason M.
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
stlguy2024
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
24 upvotes
Jacqueline N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 30, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 New York, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
21 upvotes
Jeremiah Patel
Moved here from San Diego about 6 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Nevaeh
same here
15 upvotes
Sofia C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Minneapolis about 13 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Santiago
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
10 upvotes
Adrian Wright
Came here for work and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The weather is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.