Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in education and Median household income is $71,840, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $317,200, which seems about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation?
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Jayden Murphy
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
wyatt_living
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.