First post here. I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 6.5%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Rylee Lee
hmm interesting perspective
36 upvotes
Jose L.
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Abigail R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Boston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Christian Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Nashville for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Matthew Robinson
hard disagree but ok
14 upvotes
Vivian Moore
Came here for school and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Bennett Hughes
this is the way
12 upvotes
emilia_local
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Ariana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 48, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
9 upvotes
peyton_mind
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Eastside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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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