Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $618,500, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $174,479, which feels pretty solid for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Let me know your thoughts. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
20 upvotes
5 Replies
Harper Bailey
I work in marketing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Luna Rogers
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Isaiah Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. solid 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
21 upvotes
Avery Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
19 upvotes
Jacqueline R.
I work in engineering here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Happy to answer more specific questions..