Longtime lurker here, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $84,100 on average. Rent is about $746/month for a decent place. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What are your go-to spots? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
4 upvotes
2 Replies
Benjamin Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Autumn Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 40, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
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