Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,886/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $502,100 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Eliana
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Tampa it's surprisingly good.
40 upvotes
Gabriel
Moved here last year, no regrets.
39 upvotes
vegas_caroline
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Westside area are tough. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Scarlett Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 7 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Autumn Parker
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Nashville it's surprisingly good.
34 upvotes
David Nelson
great question, following
26 upvotes
Miles O.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
20 upvotes
Mia
bump
16 upvotes
Teresa M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is challenging in most areas.
4 upvotes
Hunter N.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to San Francisco it's underrated.
4 upvotes
Nevaeh Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Greenfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Dallas, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
Christian Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
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