I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 5.8%, which is pretty low. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
bostonnative2020
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
40 upvotes
Mateo
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Levi
yep
33 upvotes
Elijah B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 7 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Robert E.
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Ella Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Timothy W.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Valentina
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in East area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
lol so true
11 upvotes
raised_christian22
great question, following
9 upvotes
matthew_guy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Evelyn Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 35, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in North and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Phoenix, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
3 upvotes
Maverick Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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