Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Jameson Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 52, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
33 upvotes
Aurora Ramirez
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Adrian Martinez
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Avery
literally same
23 upvotes
Helen G.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Chloe Jimenez
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
lake_connor1
spot on
13 upvotes
loving_joseph90
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
Mateo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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