Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $182,000 on average. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
3 upvotes
8 Replies
Lillian Stewart
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Camila Stewart
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Evan Patel
literally same
25 upvotes
Quinn Jimenez
noted, appreciate it
21 upvotes
Kaylee
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
born_axel93
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 30, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Houston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
11 upvotes
Audrey H.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The public transit is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Kayden Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.