Longtime lurker here, Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $117,300, which is actually reasonable. Median household income is $52,529, which feels on the lower side for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
oaklandrider2024
preach
35 upvotes
Liam P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
coastal_melanie93
honestly same experience here
32 upvotes
Greyson Diaz
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
28 upvotes
Roy B.
I work in engineering here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Jessica K.
seconding this
25 upvotes
Christian Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
phoenixwalker2024
same here
17 upvotes
Lucy A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Fairview. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.