Been meaning to ask this. The city has invested a lot in new development.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Carson M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Dominic Hill
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
38 upvotes
Olivia Myers
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
Hailey Thomas
I've lived in East for about 5 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 Chicago, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Rebecca T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Miles M.
Totally agree!
26 upvotes
Joseph Ramirez
glad someone said it
26 upvotes
Allison Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 37, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Austin, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
25 upvotes
bostonrunner2024
big facts right here
23 upvotes
William M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Anna
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. safety used to be much manageable but now it's underrated.
16 upvotes
Autumn Wilson
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much stable but now it's hit or miss.
6 upvotes
Anna Ross
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.