Curious what people think. Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $396,800 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $119,299, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Troy sits at 79.1 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
14 upvotes
3 Replies
raleighguy2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Aria Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Houston, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
22 upvotes
Leonardo Long
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.