I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $683,700, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $80,556 in Marathon. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Olivia W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from San Francisco about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Mia Taylor
thanks for sharing
33 upvotes
Aaron W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely solid and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
9 upvotes
Leo Ward
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.