Random thought, The median home value here is around $335,400, which seems about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
58 upvotes
25 Replies
David M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Jacob Baker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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 high-paying job options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Eleanor Cook
Moved here from Tampa about 8 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Amelia Foster
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The weather is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Elijah
Came here for work and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Lucas J.
spot on
29 upvotes
Allison Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are pretty good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Genesis Long
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Adrian Miller
accurate
23 upvotes
Jayden E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
lake_ethan9
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
Liam Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 3 years. Moved from San Diego for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Mackenzie Gutierrez
honestly same experience here
20 upvotes
Luna Castillo
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much growing but now it's excellent.
18 upvotes
Ezra Rodriguez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to New York it's pretty good.
17 upvotes
Miles Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Benjamin Ruiz
accurate
11 upvotes
Waylon F.
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Midtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Abigail
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 11 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Meadowbrook schools are hit or miss. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Brooks Parker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are surprisingly good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Scarlett
seconding this
2 upvotes
la_lillian
Moved here last year, no regrets.
1 upvotes
Everett
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
0 upvotes
Evan Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 15 years. Moved from Denver for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are improving. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, 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.
0 upvotes
Vivian Ruiz
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
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