First post here. It's a a small town city with about 20,142 people. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
Chloe Peterson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Allison B.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The public transit is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Oliver Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
20 upvotes
Brielle H.
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much reasonable but now it's average.
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