First post here. Homes are going for about $317,800 on average. The median home value here is around $317,800, which seems about average. It's a a small town city with about 9,150 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
3 Replies
Christian Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 50, moved here 9 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
eli_papa
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
dc_jose
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The cost of living scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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