So, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $63,773, which feels about average for the area. It's a a small town city with about 17,575 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thoughts? Thanks! Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
3 upvotes
9 Replies
Willow Watson
seconding this
39 upvotes
Claire Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Ava Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
29 upvotes
Jason C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Violet D.
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
Alyssa C.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
14 upvotes
dc_ella
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Sophie A.
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: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Springfield. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
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