OK so Household incomes average around $63,934 in Great Falls. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
20 upvotes
6 Replies
William Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 3 years. Moved from San Francisco for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are solid. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Lisa S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 55, moved here 3 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Houston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. 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.
32 upvotes
Matthew Moore
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Dominic Alvarez
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
29 upvotes
Sophia Johnson
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Carter Martin
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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