Poverty rate is 0.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 26,182 people. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
29 upvotes
3 Replies
David Nelson
I work in real estate here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is average. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Joshua Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Highland and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
10 upvotes
Isabella Smith
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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