Hi all, Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
William
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
33 upvotes
Ryan M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Nolan A.
I work in finance here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is tough. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Melanie Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Albert W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Nicholas Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 24, moved here 4 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.