So, I'm single, late 30s, and Homes are going for about $237,400 on average. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. Household incomes average around $63,934 in Great Falls. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Megan C.
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
Axel K.
same here
20 upvotes
Clara R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Aria G.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Samuel Hill
I've lived in West for about 14 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- The public transit scene is solid
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Jose Lee
Moved here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to dating scene but Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Elijah Morgan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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