Hello, My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 6,318 people. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Would love some local perspective. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Lillian Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
35 upvotes
emmett_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 40, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. improving 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
33 upvotes
mesalocal2020
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Brielle Turner
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
32 upvotes
mesa_harper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 43, moved here 5 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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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