Anyone else feel this way? Household incomes average around $109,731 in World Golf Village. Rent is about $1,946/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation?
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Caroline N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in The Heights and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. decent 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
38 upvotes
Eli Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
37 upvotes
philly_brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Highland. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Chloe Rodriguez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Tampa it's pretty good.
31 upvotes
Hailey Harris
great question, following
30 upvotes
Riley C.
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
cincyrider2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Emily M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Hailey Anderson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
21 upvotes
Christian Stewart
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Hudson
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
9 upvotes
Joseph Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
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