Hey folks, I relocated for work and Rent is about $1,336/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input.
14 upvotes
7 Replies
Cameron R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Jace Turner
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Eastside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Lydia W.
I've lived in Midtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Luca Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 53, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. hit or miss 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
32 upvotes
Pamela J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in construction. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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