Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,414 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
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3 Replies
Lucas Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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Silas Davis
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
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Benjamin Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.