I'm originally from Miami and Median household income is $57,633, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 13.1%, which is around average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Declan Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 38, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Eastside and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Leo Miller
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
8 upvotes
Mateo H.
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
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