Hi all, It's a a small town city with about 16,349 people. Homes are going for about $299,800 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,050 for rent here. Average temperature is around 43--F, so bundle up in winter. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
10 upvotes
5 Replies
Oliver F.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Lisa F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 26, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
Jordan Foster
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
29 upvotes
Matthew Bailey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in South. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
All Countries
