Longtime lurker here, Median household income is $44,675, which feels on the lower side for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Mango sits at 315.8 per 100K. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Luna Thomas
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Serenity Brown
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is average in most areas.
34 upvotes
Gary T.
Saving this thread
32 upvotes
Allison T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Uptown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
31 upvotes
Addison D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Valentina King
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Valentina Reed
yep
22 upvotes
Grace Myers
great question, following
17 upvotes
Adeline S.
as a local I can confirm
16 upvotes
Robert S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Colton Davis
lol so true
6 upvotes
Skylar
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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