Hello, The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 62,390 people. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up.
1 upvotes
5 Replies
Peyton C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Caleb Mendoza
I've lived in West for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Leo Richardson
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Vivian Thompson
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Emily Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. solid 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
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