So, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, which is about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Jace James
Totally agree!
27 upvotes
portland_jacob
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 47, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Sadie
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Hunter Robinson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Tampa it's decent.
26 upvotes
William Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Aaron Jimenez
good to know, thanks
16 upvotes
Eva Wright
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Greenfield area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
All Countries
