Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 12 years and Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Julia Long
Bought a house here in 2016 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
Isabelle
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Arthur R.
wish I knew this sooner
37 upvotes
Scarlett Thomas
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Luna Howard
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Kai Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is average.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Jack Kelly
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The walkability is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
14 upvotes
Joseph A.
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
Alice Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 1 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Nova
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Quinn Jones
not my experience at all
3 upvotes
Greyson Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.