OK so I'm a 45-year-old project manager and Average temperature is around 60°F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? Appreciate any input.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Brielle T.
same here
35 upvotes
Wyatt
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Ariana James
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Hazel Castillo
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Colton Gray
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Chicago it's better than expected.
27 upvotes
Donald A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (South) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
21 upvotes
Aaron M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
16 upvotes
Xavier Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from New York about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Isabelle Brooks
couldn't agree more
4 upvotes
Kayden R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Caleb Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Downtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Miami, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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