So, Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -Onalaska sits at 53.1 per 100K. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What neighborhoods would you suggest? TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Austin E.
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Jeremiah S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely solid and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Midtown) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
30 upvotes
chicagopapa2023
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
30 upvotes
Lisa W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Jace Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Denver about 12 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Nevaeh P.
big facts right here
23 upvotes
Zoe Gomez
big facts right here
21 upvotes
Natalie P.
I'm a software engineer and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Zoey S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
colton_soul
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
8 upvotes
Aurora Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Connor W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 31, moved here 11 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
3 upvotes
Lucy R.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
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