Hey everyone, It's a a small town city with about 10,871 people. Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. Poverty rate is 6.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,200 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Jeremiah W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 7 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Weston Nguyen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
aurora_guy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
30 upvotes
Andrew White
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The food scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
30 upvotes
Stella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were weather and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
atl_connor
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Chicago it's decent.
27 upvotes
Oliver Lopez
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
25 upvotes
Barbara G.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Gabriel Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K 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.
18 upvotes
Maverick
Saving this thread
13 upvotes
Xavier Cooper
hard disagree but ok
11 upvotes
Emilia Rodriguez
hard disagree but ok
4 upvotes
tampa_elijah
Moved here from Dallas about 2 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to safety but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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