First post here. I'm retired and Rent is about $1,896/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 44--F, so bundle up in winter. It's a a small town city with about 16,076 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to.
1 upvotes
4 Replies
omaha_gabriella
lol so true
11 upvotes
Evan P.
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
11 upvotes
Carson Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
6 upvotes
Allison Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..