I'm a 27-year-old firefighter and Homes are going for about $420,300 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
45 upvotes
13 Replies
Aubrey Bennett
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
William Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Ava Ruiz
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
36 upvotes
Evelyn B.
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
real_alice76
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely excellent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
31 upvotes
Victoria C.
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Linda J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Midtown. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Jameson J.
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
houstonwalker2023
hmm interesting perspective
19 upvotes
real_kai78
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Emma Young
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Everett W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Caleb B.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much wild but now it's tough.
All Countries
