Curious what people think. We're a young couple and It's a a small town city with about 19,844 people. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Jaxon E.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The food scene is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Evelyn Jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Ruth R.
literally same
28 upvotes
Leo Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
12 upvotes
Rylee Cook
I'm a social worker and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
11 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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