Hey folks, We have two kids and Poverty rate is 9.3%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Cheers. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
Leo Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 35, moved here 5 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
33 upvotes
Declan Morgan
I'm a accountant and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Maverick Cooper
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Eva Morris
This.
26 upvotes
Victoria Garcia
hard disagree but ok
18 upvotes
Autumn Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
12 upvotes
Ariana Morris
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Lucy C.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Jordan Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 27, moved here 1 years ago from Houston. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. solid 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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