OK so We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,576 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 30,056 people. The median home value here is around $285,800, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,576/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
1 upvotes
27 Replies
Brenda C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Miles Flores
I've lived in North for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Ava Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
39 upvotes
Nolan James
Bought a house here in 2019 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
38 upvotes
Alexander Ortiz
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Weston
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in consulting. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
minneapolis_nevaeh
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Aaliyah Kelly
Came here for quality of life and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The outdoor recreation is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Wesley Walker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Diego it's surprisingly good.
33 upvotes
Arianna Garcia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Elena Hill
this is the way
29 upvotes
Peyton C.
lol so true
28 upvotes
Ava Baker
hard disagree but ok
27 upvotes
Jace C.
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
Piper Allen
I'm a project manager and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Adam T.
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
- The healthcare scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Violet Perez
I've lived in Uptown for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- The safety scene is solid
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Zoey Howard
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Gabriella B.
Moved here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
valentina_girl
I've lived in South for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Deborah L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Emma White
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
12 upvotes
Jackson Mitchell
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
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. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
7 upvotes
Abigail
Moved here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to cultural scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
5 upvotes
Eleanor Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
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