Hello, I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $242,700 on average. Median household income is $71,747, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? Looking forward to hearing from you all. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Piper M.
I'm a sales manager and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Isaac
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - 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 community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
33 upvotes
Zoey Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 45, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The public transit situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.
29 upvotes
Jordan Foster
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Ella Morris
honestly same experience here
17 upvotes
Leo
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Melanie Roberts
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The safety is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
5 upvotes
Sebastian
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Jack K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Springfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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