Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $58,568, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $58,568 in Wichita Falls. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What would you do? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
34 upvotes
30 Replies
sunny_aaron48
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
40 upvotes
Owen Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is decent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
38 upvotes
Amelia Chavez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Quinn Stewart
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
37 upvotes
Karen P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is challenging in most areas.
36 upvotes
Maverick P.
Moved here from Seattle about 4 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to job market but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Cora Turner
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
Maya R.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
32 upvotes
Carson K.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
Jacob W.
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Arianna W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
30 upvotes
Charlotte Gutierrez
I've lived in Fairview for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Cooper R.
facts
29 upvotes
Landon Gray
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Caroline Mitchell
hard disagree but ok
28 upvotes
noladude2024
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Fairview area are challenging. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Isla L.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Riverside) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Sophie
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely challenging and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Westside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Ezekiel Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Eva Miller
great question, following
21 upvotes
Elena Ortiz
This.
20 upvotes
Michael P.
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Ruby B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Fairview and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
13 upvotes
nycwalker2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Connor
hard disagree but ok
10 upvotes
Kinsley
This.
8 upvotes
Kayden Torres
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Eleanor Murphy
Used to live on the North side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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