I'm originally from Memphis and Median household income is $90,089, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks!
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Hazel Adams
Moved here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Brooks Reyes
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is solid in most areas.
38 upvotes
Jose Kelly
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Abigail Green
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Kaylee Adams
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Melanie Murphy
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much stable but now it's solid.
20 upvotes
Zoey Brown
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much stable but now it's underrated.
19 upvotes
Joshua Hernandez
literally same
16 upvotes
Zoe Y.
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Kayden Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Thomas M.
I'm a social worker and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Paisley Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Nashville, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
14 upvotes
Jack Taylor
nah I disagree
10 upvotes
Christian
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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