I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 10.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,966 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. TIA! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
28 upvotes
11 Replies
Kennedy Robinson
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Alexander Bailey
I work in legal here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is tough. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Samuel J.
haha yep pretty much
33 upvotes
Xavier Roberts
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Houston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Ethan Sanders
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Leonardo Jackson
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Nathan
as a local I can confirm
20 upvotes
Anna
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 2 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Greenfield and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
19 upvotes
Serenity Cooper
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
11 upvotes
Gabriel N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.
4 upvotes
Evan H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 15 years. Moved from Houston for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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