I've been here for 6 years and It's a a small town city with about 2,415 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks for reading. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
7 upvotes
6 Replies
Sarah Sanders
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
36 upvotes
Connor Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
28 upvotes
Alice R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Austin, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
20 upvotes
Elena
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.