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Nova Taylor living

Anyone else love living in Centralia?

First post here. Crime rate is something to consider -Centralia sits at 1,473.0 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.8%, which is about average. Household incomes average around $47,308 in Centralia. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. The median home value here is around $81,600, which is actually reasonable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.

Pros:
- Great weather
- Good job market
- Growing food scene
- Low taxes

Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Mosquitoes and humidity
- Far from major airports
- Limited cultural events
Is this normal for Centralia? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes

5 Replies

Adrian Jones
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Matthew Johnson
Moved here from Dallas about 4 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to community vibe but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Katherine Robinson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Rylee P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are solid. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Landon L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a electrician, 33, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Diverse dining options
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. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
2 upvotes
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