Hello, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,648/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 72--F, so it's warm year-round. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Any help is appreciated. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Maya Richardson
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
37 upvotes
Isaiah Allen
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Eli N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Catherine J.
couldn't agree more
29 upvotes
Axel Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 46, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in South and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
28 upvotes
Aaron Bailey
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
28 upvotes
Aiden
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Southern places. it was the best decision I ever made.
26 upvotes
Katherine Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Kinsley Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Victoria Mitchell
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
Scott F.
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Mexican places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
12 upvotes
Joseph Jackson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
vegas_caroline
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 53, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
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