Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $135,100 on average. It's a a small town city with about 1,346 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
Addison Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Eastside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Adrian
lol so true
18 upvotes
Elena Morris
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Lakewood area are underrated. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Kai Lee
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
6 upvotes
Henry Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 5 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - 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 walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
All Countries
