Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Cooper Long
I work in consulting here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is decent. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Avery Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Chicago, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
34 upvotes
Lillian Gonzalez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.