Hello, Rent is about $1,738/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here?
18 upvotes
3 Replies
Elizabeth H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Dylan Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Lucas W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 33, moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Sunset and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.