Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and You can expect to pay around $2,099 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Serenity S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Henry Myers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 55, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Westside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
37 upvotes
Claire Diaz
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to cultural scene but No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
bostonlocal2021
Moved here last year, no regrets.
31 upvotes
John Long
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Avery Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 24, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Henry Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Xavier Harris
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
Quinn L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness 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.
18 upvotes
raised_eli47
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 29, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Raleigh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
All Countries
