Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,780/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $829,700 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. Cheers. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
James Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Andrew P.
it depends on the neighborhood
12 upvotes
Leah Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
wild_james54
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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