Hello, I'm a teacher here and The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I overthinking this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
3 Replies
Anna Hall
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Ian James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Seattle about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Leonardo Alvarez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K 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.
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