Curious what people think. My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 15,006 people. Rent is about $733/month for a decent place. Median household income is $39,753, which feels on the lower side for the area. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Let me know your thoughts. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Nova Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Evan Diaz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Angel Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Jaxon Lee
Saving this thread
15 upvotes
raised_joseph63
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
14 upvotes
Cooper Cook
I've lived in Westside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cultural scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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