I'm retired and Poverty rate is 7.4%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots? Thanks! Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Emma Thompson
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Isla Chavez
yeah no that's not right
25 upvotes
Levi Evans
I work in retail here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is challenging. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
15 upvotes
Olivia R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
14 upvotes
Piper Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Ruby M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 28, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Uptown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
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. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
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