Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $161,000 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Julia P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Fairview and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Houston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
37 upvotes
Valentina Mitchell
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much affordable but now it's average.
37 upvotes
Kayden
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Lillian R.
yeah no that's not right
31 upvotes
Elijah Wilson
Moved here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Leonardo Collins
I've lived in East for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Daniel Y.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
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