Hello, Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 19.0%, which is higher than I expected. The median home value here is around $175,000, which is actually reasonable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
4 Replies
Santiago Rivera
noted, appreciate it
34 upvotes
Andrew R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 46, moved here 6 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
18 upvotes
loving_zoe78
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
16 upvotes
Ethan Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from San Diego about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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