I'm a 39-year-old sales rep and The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 6.6%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned?
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Evelyn Richardson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Aaron
+1
32 upvotes
Kaylee Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
23 upvotes
Julia Bennett
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Lucas Flores
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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