So, I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 7.0%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $218,200, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $218,200 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Would love some local perspective. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaron L.
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 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Greenfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
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. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Portland, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
25 upvotes
Aaron Young
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Eli
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Nathan A.
100%
18 upvotes
Clara L.
this is the way
18 upvotes
Olivia G.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Aubrey Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 25, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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