Hey everyone, I'm a remote worker and It's a a mid-size city city with about 124K people. The median home value here is around $383,700, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,713/month for a decent place. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Should I be concerned? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development.
58 upvotes
8 Replies
Jeremiah Carter
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Everly
lol so true
22 upvotes
adeline_guy
as a local I can confirm
21 upvotes
Samuel N.
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
Cooper Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Sunset and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
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