OK so We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,015 for rent here. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Natalie Phillips
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in tech. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Ella H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 51, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in The Heights and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
34 upvotes
Stella Collins
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Southern places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
30 upvotes
Scarlett R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
29 upvotes
Silas
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
milwaukeekid2020
yeah no that's not right
26 upvotes
Dylan Young
great question, following
22 upvotes
Xavier M.
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
20 upvotes
Joseph Hughes
Came here for school and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The walkability is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
raised_aiden55
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Ellie S.
100%
6 upvotes
Mateo Allen
bump
1 upvotes
Julian
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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