Been meaning to ask this. I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 27,926 people. Average temperature is around 70--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Lily Watson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in tech. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Eleanor Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 15 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
15 upvotes
Madison R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
All Countries
