Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Ethan Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Mia Brown
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Fairview area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Hudson Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
12 upvotes
Piper Morales
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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