Alright, Born and raised here. Rent is about $1,182/month for a decent place. Median household income is $104,160, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 10,163 people. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
7 upvotes
5 Replies
Angel Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Willow Phillips
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Ava
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Jean A.
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Isabella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Highland, 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 pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
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