Hey everyone, Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $282,800 on average. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. What neighborhoods would you suggest?
5 upvotes
4 Replies
Christian A.
I work in marketing here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is improving. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
lydia_papa
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (The Heights) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
20 upvotes
Elena Ruiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Piper Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 8 years. Moved from Portland for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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