Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $170,989, which feels pretty solid for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
6 upvotes
24 Replies
Caleb Gutierrez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Tampa it's challenging.
36 upvotes
claire_chef
big facts right here
32 upvotes
wild_aaron73
facts
29 upvotes
Wyatt Harris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
living_addison29
I'm a accountant and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Violet Gomez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Ryan Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 42, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
22 upvotes
Miles Clark
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Atlanta it's hit or miss.
20 upvotes
oaklandgirl2021
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Madelyn N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Thomas Garcia
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
16 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much wild but now it's surprisingly good.
15 upvotes
mountain_lillian76
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is underrated in most areas.
13 upvotes
Reagan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Pittsburgh it's pretty good.
12 upvotes
Allison Reed
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Oliver Price
Moved here last year, no regrets.
11 upvotes
Luke M.
Came here for weather and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Olivia O.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Isaac Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Sunset) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
8 upvotes
Aaron Baker
following this thread
6 upvotes
Theodore Robinson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Denver about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Aubrey Allen
Moved here last year, no regrets.
5 upvotes
Henry Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in legal. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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