Curious what people think. I relocated for work and Homes are going for about $311,900 on average. Median household income is $97,590, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Rio Grande sits at 686.1 per 100K. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Let me know your thoughts. Any help is appreciated.
11 upvotes
9 Replies
Theodore Davis
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Ariana Alvarez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Emma Peterson
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
10 upvotes
Jameson Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely average and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Midtown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
9 upvotes
Noah
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Paisley Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 9 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
3 upvotes
jose_mind
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much competitive but now it's average.
1 upvotes
Ian Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
0 upvotes
Jonathan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 15 years. Moved from Miami for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are better than expected. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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