Homes are going for about $162,600 on average. Rent is about $936/month for a decent place. It's a a smaller city city with about 85,651 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. What are your go-to spots? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
2 Replies
Emilia F.
Totally agree!
40 upvotes
Emily Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.