Been living here since 2006. Rent is about $1,570/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Amherst Town sits at 250.0 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance!
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Anna Allen
noted, appreciate it
33 upvotes
Abigail Evans
+1
19 upvotes
Zoe H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Dylan
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Dallas it's challenging.
15 upvotes
Avery
Moved here last year, no regrets.
15 upvotes
Alexander
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
14 upvotes
Leonardo Collins
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Sophie M.
facts
12 upvotes
Sarah Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Megan M.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Waylon Smith
same here
8 upvotes
adrian_guy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 28, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 San Diego, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
8 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
glad someone said it
5 upvotes
Abigail P.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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