So, Poverty rate is 14.7%, which is around average. What would you do? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Jayden Parker
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Lucas M.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Roman Adams
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Kevin W.
literally same
26 upvotes
Levi Wood
yep
22 upvotes
Roman Johnson
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Addison
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Willow
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
omahapapa2020
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Old Town) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
10 upvotes
Douglas C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
James Morgan
noted, appreciate it
7 upvotes
Santiago
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
3 upvotes
Michael Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. underrated 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 Baltimore, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.