Anyone else feel this way? Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I wrong here? The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
10 Replies
Madeline Gray
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
39 upvotes
Levi
+1
32 upvotes
Nova Adams
Bought a house here in 2022 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone about the same since then.
30 upvotes
Emilia Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Allison W.
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
21 upvotes
Liam T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
15 upvotes
Jack
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Paisley Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. 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 running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Sophia Kim
Bought a house here in 2017 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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