Alright, The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,135 for rent here. Average temperature is around 69--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,135/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? Cheers. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
24 upvotes
5 Replies
Elijah M.
same here
32 upvotes
Lauren H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 38, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in Riverside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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
Lisa W.
I'm a writer and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
abigail_kid
This.
6 upvotes
Hazel
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
