Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 8.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Thoughts? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Jeremiah Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Adrian Chavez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
20 upvotes
Matthew White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 46, moved here 3 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Greenfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
18 upvotes
Cameron King
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Diana M.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great BBQ places. it exceeded my expectations.
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