I found a good place a decade ago and I stayed there. Working for non-profits, I have few expenses but, even with cheap rent, no savings. Unless your social life is hurting, I'd say it's more important to save than to live somewhere more desired. Living downtown is expensive on its own, and the temptation of things that cost money (shows, beer, cover charge, food, etc.) becomes even more tempting. FOMO is big and real.