Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. With a population of 7,368, Forest City is a small town. Household incomes average around $35,897 in Forest City. Median household income is $35,897, which feels on the lower side for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. 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. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Peyton Campbell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 7 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Arianna
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Korean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
39 upvotes
Jean P.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
Delilah Reyes
I've lived in West for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Hannah Patel
following this thread
10 upvotes
Joshua Lopez
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
8 upvotes
Lillian Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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