Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 7,427 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Caribou sits at 106.0 per 100K. Household incomes average around $54,271 in Caribou. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
5 Replies
Eva Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K 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.
34 upvotes
Jose Price
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
phoenix_nora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Serenity H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is average.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Logan Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
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