Longtime lurker here, Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 30.9%, which is higher than I expected. It's a a small town city with about 8,339 people. The unemployment rate is 7.3%, which is concerning. With a population of 8,339, Shiprock is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Should I be concerned? Appreciate any input. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
Everett P.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Jacob C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
34 upvotes
Richard B.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The nightlife is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
34 upvotes
Ava Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 2 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. average 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Cooper Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 53, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. improving 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 Atlanta, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
24 upvotes
Ellie L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Tampa it's underrated.
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