Hi all, I'm single, late 20s, and Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 32,334 people. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What would you do? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Angel R.
preach
40 upvotes
Abigail R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
George P.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Ariana Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The healthcare situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Nashville, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.