Not sure if this has been asked before, but The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Adrian Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
36 upvotes
Beverly H.
underrated comment
34 upvotes
Hailey Hughes
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Ariana C.
+1
32 upvotes
Nicholas Parker
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
32 upvotes
Addison G.
exactly what I was thinking
30 upvotes
Alexander Mitchell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Phoenix it's decent.
22 upvotes
Harper Torres
couldn't agree more
21 upvotes
Ryan Thomas
Used to live on the East side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
12 upvotes
Naomi Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Genesis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Rylee H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
3 upvotes
Elizabeth Williams
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..