So, My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $67,621, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $844/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Eli Alvarez
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
Mason
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is underrated in most areas.
20 upvotes
Mackenzie J.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 13 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Landon Ramirez
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Korean places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
14 upvotes
Zoe Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Boston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Easton Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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