Random thought, My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a mid-size city city with about 122K people. Poverty rate is 11.5%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,061/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 55°F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development.
15 upvotes
2 Replies
Kayden D.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
local_john82
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 48, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Cedar Grove and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 San Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
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