Been meaning to ask this. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. TIA!
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Ruby R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
34 upvotes
Quinn Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Isabella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 51, moved here 14 years ago from Miami. I've lived in South and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.