Been living here since 2011. Should I be concerned? The weather takes some getting used to.
33 upvotes
6 Replies
Autumn Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Genesis
This.
24 upvotes
Axel M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Skylar Cox
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Luna
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
7 upvotes
Timothy L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 26, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Old Town and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 San Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.