My family moved here when I was a kid. Rent is about $1,661/month for a decent place. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
3 Replies
Caleb Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely improving and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
23 upvotes
Brenda B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 45, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
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