Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 67,407 people. The median home value here is around $1,091,700, which is pretty steep. You can expect to pay around $2,779 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
22 upvotes
5 Replies
Melissa R.
seconding this
22 upvotes
Eugene P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 42, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, 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. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 New York, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
20 upvotes
Jameson Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Boston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Dylan Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
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