Not sure if this has been asked before, but Household incomes average around $63,934 in Great Falls. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Kayden Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 35, moved here 11 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
40 upvotes
Jack Cooper
100%
39 upvotes
Patricia T.
this is the way
36 upvotes
Bennett K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
35 upvotes
Colton
same here
35 upvotes
Mia Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 27, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
32 upvotes
Ezekiel Reyes
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Everly Murphy
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Jaxon Johnson
lol so true
20 upvotes
Mia Adams
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Scarlett R.
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Deborah J.
yeah no that's not right
14 upvotes
Silas Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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