Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 3,800 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
lake_emilia15
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Homeless population growing downtown
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 stable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Bella Johnson
been saying this for years
12 upvotes
Brooks Rogers
Moved here from Minneapolis about 3 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to job market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
William Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
7 upvotes
Eugene S.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Houston it's hit or miss.
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