So, Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $676,800 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. What are your go-to spots? Thanks! Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
19 upvotes
4 Replies
Isabelle Rodriguez
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The dating scene is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Adam Sanders
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Nora Scott
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much affordable but now it's solid.
1 upvotes
Douglas B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. improving 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
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