Hi all, I'm retired and Median household income is $200,156, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
16 upvotes
10 Replies
bostonmama2026
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Aaron C.
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Zoey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Noah J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 43, moved here 7 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Oak Park and Uptown, 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. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
17 upvotes
Declan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Eleanor Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Diego about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
12 upvotes
Anna Evans
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Doris M.
literally same
5 upvotes
Henry Anderson
Saving this thread
1 upvotes
Gabriel Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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