OK so I'm a 39-year-old HR manager and It's a a small town city with about 14,077 people. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Steven C.
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
noted, appreciate it
33 upvotes
Brooklyn Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Skylar Anderson
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
indymind2025
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Theodore
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
27 upvotes
Hazel Gutierrez
spot on
23 upvotes
William Reed
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Nashville it's challenging.
23 upvotes
Aubrey Perez
bump
22 upvotes
Easton K.
seconding this
15 upvotes
Wyatt Baker
The food scene here is average. Tons of great craft beer places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
Roman Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Salt Lake City it's challenging.
5 upvotes
Karen T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely improving and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit 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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