Hey folks, Just moved here 17 months ago and Median household income is $79,396, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
18 upvotes
2 Replies
Ariana Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Old Town and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
37 upvotes
Genesis Lee
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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