Been meaning to ask this. I'm single, late 20s, and The median home value here is around $237,400, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Is this normal for Great Falls? Thanks in advance! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up.
11 upvotes
8 Replies
Michael R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Midtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
32 upvotes
Kai Nguyen
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Kai Carter
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
26 upvotes
Colton Hill
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
22 upvotes
Luke Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Greenfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The safety situation is growing 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 Phoenix, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
21 upvotes
Lydia P.
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.
9 upvotes
Harold H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 50, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K 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.
8 upvotes
Isaiah R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
