Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $72,322, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $405,900 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
20 upvotes
16 Replies
Oliver
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much reasonable but now it's surprisingly good.
39 upvotes
Kaylee M.
as a local I can confirm
35 upvotes
Avery
haha yep pretty much
33 upvotes
Steven L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. 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.
31 upvotes
Allison Reed
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Christian G.
good to know, thanks
28 upvotes
Madeline P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
20 upvotes
Camila
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 52, moved here 14 years ago from LA. I've lived in Uptown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. decent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
19 upvotes
Clara B.
facts
17 upvotes
Hazel
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Harold H.
yeah no that's not right
15 upvotes
Andrew Martinez
accurate
14 upvotes
Alice Taylor
Moved here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Jose Wright
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Cooper G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is underrated in most areas.
2 upvotes
nola_wyatt
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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