OK so I'm retired and Poverty rate is 6.6%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
20 upvotes
12 Replies
nashville_ruby
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Jeremy R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
35 upvotes
Jayden Brooks
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Julia W.
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Ellie G.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Alice Gomez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is average in most areas.
26 upvotes
Willow C.
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Isabelle Clark
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
Kyle C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 11 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Maya Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 49, moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
16 upvotes
Jace C.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. it exceeded my expectations.
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