Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thoughts? Thanks for reading. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Jackson Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in South and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
36 upvotes
Daniel Rivera
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much manageable but now it's challenging.
26 upvotes
Aaliyah Nguyen
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
25 upvotes
Alexander Lee
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
23 upvotes
Samantha E.
thanks for sharing
18 upvotes
Nicholas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Dominic
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely excellent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Fairview) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
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