My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. The median home value here is around $237,400, which is actually reasonable. Crime rate is something to consider -Great Falls sits at 515.0 per 100K. Rent is about $866/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Alexander Harris
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great seafood places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
40 upvotes
Elizabeth Rogers
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Henry Scott
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Nova S.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
William Ramos
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Cora W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. solid 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.
23 upvotes
Gabriella Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
raleigh_ella
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Arianna Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Jackson L.
preach
9 upvotes
Audrey Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Ruby Allen
I'm a sales manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
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