Random thought, We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $2,422/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development.
1 upvotes
2 Replies
Zoe Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 45, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
20 upvotes
Sadie Roberts
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in retail. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.