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Aaliyah Reed moving

Considering Prescott Valley vs Tampa -help me decide

Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes

7 Replies

Abigail Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.

My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
38 upvotes
Michael
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.

I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Judith T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Midtown and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Lillian B.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Ethan R.
underrated comment
19 upvotes
Logan Phillips
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Alexa Taylor
it depends on the neighborhood
4 upvotes
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