Crime rate is something to consider -Tama sits at 769.2 per 100K. Homes are going for about $101,200 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
Aaliyah Thompson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
39 upvotes
Evelyn Hall
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's average.
32 upvotes
axel_soul
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I love the pace of life here.
30 upvotes
Hudson N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
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