Hey folks, I'm a college student here and It's a a smaller city city with about 38,944 people. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
4 Replies
Luca Edwards
following this thread
38 upvotes
Serenity Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Greenfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
31 upvotes
Betty M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Eleanor Price
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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