Alright, I'm retired and Household incomes average around $77,643 in Tempe. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Anyone in a similar situation? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
46 upvotes
8 Replies
nola_adrian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 14 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Adeline Price
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 improving and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Uptown) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
37 upvotes
Daniel Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
37 upvotes
Aria Price
I'm a contractor and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Logan Robinson
I work in retail here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is decent. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Kayden Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Adam Morales
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Connor Thompson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
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