Hi all, Poverty rate is 13.7%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,072/month for a decent place. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Does this match your experience? TIA! 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
Theodore
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Nevaeh Hernandez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 37, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
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. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
23 upvotes
Emilia Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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