Been meaning to ask this. Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $864 for rent here. Rent is about $864/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
17 upvotes
6 Replies
living_eleanor17
exactly what I was thinking
32 upvotes
Emma Young
as a local I can confirm
29 upvotes
Ezra Rogers
as a local I can confirm
17 upvotes
Aiden Diaz
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
16 upvotes
oakland_silas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 40, moved here 12 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K 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.
2 upvotes
Henry
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Portland about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
All Countries
