I'm retired and Rent is about $1,833/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
2 Replies
Declan Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 47, moved here 3 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K 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.
32 upvotes
Isla Wright
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to San Francisco it's better than expected.