Curious what people think. Been living here since 2022. Rent is about $1,910/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $815,400 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What are your go-to spots? TIA!
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Matthew Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 34, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.