Homes are going for about $293,400 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Elizabeth N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Eastside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. improving 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 Atlanta, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
39 upvotes
Elena Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Ezra Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Valentina Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 San Francisco, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
34 upvotes
Declan Ramirez
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Logan M.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Jacob Cook
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
John Morgan
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Leah Kim
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is challenging in most areas.
12 upvotes
Hailey Garcia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
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