We have two kids and Homes are going for about $891,300 on average. Rent is about $1,444/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 22,160 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
0 upvotes
8 Replies
Sara P.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Downtown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Roman Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Highland) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
34 upvotes
Kathleen T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 2 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Rebecca M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 48, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
22 upvotes
Maverick Wright
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Nova Evans
Came here for work and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The nightlife is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Mackenzie P.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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