Hey folks, I'm single, late 20s, and You can expect to pay around $1,523 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 5,898 people. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Ezra Richardson
yeah no that's not right
33 upvotes
Mackenzie Ortiz
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
27 upvotes
Evelyn Chavez
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
25 upvotes
Brooklyn Myers
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
20 upvotes
Nathan Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Caroline A.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Cora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
robert_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 50, moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
9 upvotes
Reagan R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Miles Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Chain restaurants dominate. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.