I relocated for work and It's a a small town city with about 2,851 people. Homes are going for about $176,000 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Bellows Falls sits at 234.3 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,071 for rent here. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What do you all think? 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. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
0 upvotes
3 Replies
Xavier Lopez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Sunset) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
38 upvotes
Xavier Young
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
23 upvotes
portlandchef2023
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 58, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent 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 Diego, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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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