Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2018. Median household income is $102,464, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Sarah Howard
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Serenity Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Downtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Miami, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
34 upvotes
John C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
32 upvotes
nolachef2023
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Miles Walker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Isaiah M.
lol so true
22 upvotes
Jean C.
I've lived in North for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Helen G.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Asian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
13 upvotes
Aubrey Reed
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Weston Thompson
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Aria G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Rebecca T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 13 years. Moved from Seattle for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Elijah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from San Diego for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Winters are long and cold. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
Ian T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
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