Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 21,216 people. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience?
13 upvotes
7 Replies
Carter Flores
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
21 upvotes
Dominic Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 13 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Greenfield and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
21 upvotes
dallas_kennedy
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Luke Richardson
yep
14 upvotes
hannah_rider
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
Asher Morris
spot on
9 upvotes
Axel Bennett
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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