Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Homes are going for about $203,700 on average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Jackson Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Mateo Garcia
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
Elijah Myers
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
15 upvotes
Bobby J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Phoenix it's hit or miss.
14 upvotes
Elizabeth
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 45, moved here 15 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Tampa, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
All Countries
