So, My family moved here when I was a kid. The median home value here is around $185,600, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
13 Replies
Lillian P.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Everly Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Price
Moved here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to nightlife but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Zoey
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Noah Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
27 upvotes
Kinsley Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
David Martin
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Caroline Taylor
haha yep pretty much
18 upvotes
Brenda M.
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Aurora Parker
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Hudson Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Addison S.
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
10 upvotes
Stella Mitchell
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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