Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $951/month for a decent place. It's a a mid-size city city with about 112K people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
6 Replies
Ellie Rodriguez
I work in engineering here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
wild_melanie97
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Julian Miller
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
33 upvotes
Connor Turner
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
26 upvotes
Emilia H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 49, moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
11 upvotes
real_jonathan52
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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