Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 26-year-old software engineer and Average temperature is around 72--F, so it's warm year-round. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Mateo Stewart
Totally agree!
39 upvotes
Lydia Baker
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Declan Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 57, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
30 upvotes
Caleb Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
28 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
great question, following
27 upvotes
Sarah Miller
I work in construction here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Vivian Jones
accurate
24 upvotes
Katherine Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Mason Gonzalez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to San Diego it's decent.
23 upvotes
Carson Rodriguez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Olivia
lol so true
18 upvotes
Allison Brown
preach
17 upvotes
Nolan Kim
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Alexander Myers
wish I knew this sooner
6 upvotes
David Martin
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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