Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Rent is about $1,219/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 5,568 people. Household incomes average around $28,295 in Kaser. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Would love some local perspective. Thanks for reading. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Alice Martinez
hard disagree but ok
39 upvotes
Michael W.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Zoey Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Leonardo Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Oak Park and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent 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 Baltimore, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
28 upvotes
Grayson Hughes
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
chicago_everett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
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