Hey everyone, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Let me know your thoughts. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Josiah Taylor
hmm interesting perspective
37 upvotes
Valentina Anderson
I've lived in West for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Axel James
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Pine Hills area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Logan L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 55, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Friendly community, easy to meet people
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Chicago, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
30 upvotes
Jack R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in education. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Claire
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
11 upvotes
Elijah Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 34, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
10 upvotes
Autumn Bennett
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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