Alright, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $1,466,400, which is pretty steep. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience?
17 upvotes
9 Replies
Bella Hall
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Valentina King
couldn't agree more
19 upvotes
Scarlett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 32, moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. challenging 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
17 upvotes
Alexa
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 5 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Rylee Watson
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
14 upvotes
Clara Hall
big facts right here
14 upvotes
Leonardo Hill
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..