OK so I'm originally from Boston and Crime rate is something to consider -Schertz sits at 184.2 per 100K. The median home value here is around $292,100, which seems about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
26 Replies
Julian Cox
I work in consulting here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Eliana Morris
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
39 upvotes
dallas_wyatt
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 solid. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Melanie Alvarez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from New York about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Emilia M.
accurate
38 upvotes
Kaylee Gutierrez
nah I disagree
37 upvotes
Kai M.
this is the way
36 upvotes
Ezekiel
seconding this
34 upvotes
Eugene B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Catherine J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Gabriella Reed
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Mediterranean places. it's been a really good experience overall.
29 upvotes
Audrey Patel
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Jacob R.
I've lived in East for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Declan Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
David M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Isabella R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 37, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Springfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
22 upvotes
Valentina Mendoza
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Westside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, 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.
14 upvotes
Audrey M.
I'm a sales manager and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is average and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Benjamin Lee
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes
Ryan Reed
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Mia Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Evan Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely improving and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Uptown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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.
5 upvotes
Julie B.
facts
5 upvotes
Cora Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
1 upvotes
Austin Cruz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Highland) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited entertainment options.
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.
0 upvotes
Robert Richardson
Moved here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cultural scene but No regrets on my end..