Curious what people think. I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $400,200, which is pretty steep. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Nicholas Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Connor Long
couldn't agree more
38 upvotes
Brooklyn L.
Saving this thread
37 upvotes
Austin
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Maple Ridge area are tough. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Cooper White
facts
33 upvotes
Daniel C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely better than expected and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established 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 Rising rent and home prices.
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.
31 upvotes
Kinsley F.
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
31 upvotes
river_vivian4
haha yep pretty much
27 upvotes
Mia W.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Highland area are solid. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Sophia Brooks
Moved here from Nashville about 1 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to housing market but Hope this helps!.
21 upvotes
Landon Stewart
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
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