Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2005. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. You can expect to pay around $1,560 for rent here. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Asher Anderson
I'm a electrician and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Dylan Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (The Heights) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
24 upvotes
Cameron Hughes
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
desert_landon17
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Samuel Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Isaac G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
phoenix_nicholas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Springfield and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
10 upvotes
Ryan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in The Heights. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
All Countries
