Been living here since 2020. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. Median household income is $49,598, which feels on the lower side for the area. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
9 Replies
Gianna D.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
34 upvotes
Andrew
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Nevaeh Castillo
noted, appreciate it
26 upvotes
Luna W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Raleigh about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Ariana C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
14 upvotes
Brielle Morris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
7 upvotes
Daniel Smith
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
6 upvotes
Jace Long
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Asher J.
I work in consulting here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
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