Hi all, I work in tech and The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Grayson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
Nolan Castillo
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
tucsonfan2024
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 4 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are pretty good. 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. Limited public transit options. Limited entertainment options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Madelyn Green
it depends on the neighborhood
34 upvotes
Lucas Martin
hard disagree but ok
30 upvotes
Bella Davis
I work in retail here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is pretty good. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Cheryl S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And pet-friendliness 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.
26 upvotes
Kinsley
+1
26 upvotes
Roman Jones
bump
24 upvotes
Peyton Green
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Miami it's tough.
20 upvotes
Aiden
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 4 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Eastside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
12 upvotes
Samuel Y.
as a local I can confirm
4 upvotes
Noah T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
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