Military spouse here. Rent is about $700/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 16.2%, which is higher than I expected. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Wayne R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
33 upvotes
Adam N.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
15 upvotes
Katherine Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Boston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. No regrets on my end..
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