First post here. Poverty rate is 11.9%, which is around average. Median household income is $56,659, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $286,700, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,342/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 14.1%, which is concerning. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Low crime in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Plenty of shopping options
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Any help is appreciated. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Christine T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in South. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
local_scarlett95
100%
38 upvotes
Nevaeh Morgan
Totally agree!
35 upvotes
Violet Ramos
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Lucy M.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Christine R.
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The traffic is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
bostonvibes2021
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
Eleanor S.
I'm a writer and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Aurora G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Kai Clark
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- The food scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Lydia Castillo
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's average.
14 upvotes
Ella Clark
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Southern places. the quality of life is solid.
12 upvotes
Mackenzie Scott
I've lived in Westside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Greyson Allen
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
2 upvotes
dallas_declan
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 hit or miss and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
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