Hi all, Household incomes average around $61,590 in Kalispell. It's a a smaller city city with about 26,830 people. Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Kalispell sits at 416.8 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
21 upvotes
3 Replies
Caroline
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
36 upvotes
Anna Lopez
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great seafood places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
19 upvotes
Gianna Cruz
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great BBQ places. it exceeded my expectations.
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