Been meaning to ask this. Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Columbia Falls sits at 193.2 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I overthinking this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
8 Replies
Adam
Moved here from Boston about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to public transit but Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Robert Stewart
I work in education here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is solid. No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Cameron Lopez
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
28 upvotes
Ezekiel Peterson
Moved here from Tampa about 1 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to school system but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Benjamin Kelly
lol so true
15 upvotes
Jonathan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 28, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
14 upvotes
Hailey Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
9 upvotes
lake_aubrey3
I work in healthcare here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is challenging. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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