Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? Thanks for reading. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
9 upvotes
5 Replies
Lauren R.
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
nashville_ruby
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Eva Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
16 upvotes
Jordan Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
julia_vibes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Fairview and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for remote workers. solid 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 Boston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
All Countries
