Alright, My partner and I are Homes are going for about $220,500 on average. It's a a small town city with about 24,928 people. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $90,132, which feels pretty solid for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
3 upvotes
3 Replies
Gabriella Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Cora W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Houston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are wild, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Bella Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 58, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.