It's a a smaller city city with about 58,548 people. Rent is about $2,041/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 10.9%, which is around average. Homes are going for about $437,700 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Ruby
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Oliver Reed
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
28 upvotes
Maverick Cox
yeah no that's not right
21 upvotes
Luca E.
thanks for sharing
16 upvotes
delilah_mama
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Sarah R.
hmm interesting perspective
10 upvotes
Liam Hernandez
I work in government here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Genesis Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 30, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
Claire Roberts
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
