Hey folks, Homes are going for about $141,100 on average. It's a a small town city with about 12,612 people. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
7 Replies
Luke Brooks
following this thread
38 upvotes
Emilia Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Adam N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Downtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
9 upvotes
Oliver Edwards
Used to live on the West side, now on the Old Town side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
4 upvotes
Peyton Anderson
I work in finance here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Amelia B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 30, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.