Alright, Been living here since 2010. Median household income is $70,053, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here?
7 upvotes
22 Replies
local_scarlett95
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Savannah S.
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Nicole R.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cultural scene is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Eli R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 58, moved here 4 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Old Town and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Declan Morgan
haha yep pretty much
29 upvotes
Sadie Wright
as a local I can confirm
28 upvotes
atl_julian
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
26 upvotes
Emilia M.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Nicholas James
yep
25 upvotes
Leah Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
George T.
been saying this for years
22 upvotes
Pamela R.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Isaiah Gomez
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much stable but now it's challenging.
19 upvotes
Mason Sanchez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Willow Anderson
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Claire Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Theodore Brooks
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
9 upvotes
Jackson James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Denver about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Arianna Y.
interesting, hadn't considered that
5 upvotes
Olivia Ortiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Delilah C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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