Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $206,100 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Savannah H.
exactly what I was thinking
40 upvotes
Ariana Parker
this is the way
33 upvotes
Victoria Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 36, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Boston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
27 upvotes
Landon
haha yep pretty much
24 upvotes
Kaylee P.
seconding this
22 upvotes
Abigail D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Santiago Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 28, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
18 upvotes
Ariana Ruiz
literally same
11 upvotes
Colton
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Helen W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..