Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 18 months ago and Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Does this match your experience? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Skylar Williams
great question, following
40 upvotes
Cameron Hernandez
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Westside area are underrated. Kids love it here.
39 upvotes
Lydia Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
river_sarah26
I've lived in West for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Violet M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
Cameron A.
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- The food scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Brenda M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
23 upvotes
Julia Carter
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
22 upvotes
Bennett Wilson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in East. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
14 upvotes
Christina K.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Nicholas P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. solid 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Gabriel Jackson
exactly what I was thinking
4 upvotes
Henry J.
as a local I can confirm
3 upvotes
Piper Brown
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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