Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. Rent is about $1,392/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 7.8%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
3 Replies
Melanie Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
portlandvibes2023
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
coastal_piper98
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..