First post here. Poverty rate is 7.4%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $75,362 in Progress. You can expect to pay around $1,170 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Progress sits at 268.6 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I overthinking this? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Hailey
this is the way
40 upvotes
Ethan M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
I'm a project manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
liam_guy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Leo Price
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Oliver Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Leo Watson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 30, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Eastside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
23 upvotes
living_valentina55
I've lived in Fairview for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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