Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 6 months ago and The median home value here is around $1,003,300, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Worth the trade-offs? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
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urban_emily61
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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