Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $39,669, which feels on the lower side for the area. Poverty rate is 32.7%, which is higher than I expected. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
5 upvotes
7 Replies
atl_kai
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
39 upvotes
Oliver Reed
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Highland area are underrated. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Carson Roberts
accurate
22 upvotes
Wesley Rivera
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Kaylee Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Kinsley Green
as a local I can confirm
15 upvotes
Luke
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 51, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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