Curious what people think. I'm a 54-year-old accountant and Average temperature is around 52°F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned?
34 upvotes
4 Replies
Brian F.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Austin about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
David Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 55, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
20 upvotes
Benjamin Watson
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The weather is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Abigail Cooper
Came here for family and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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