Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. Median household income is $141,353, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a mid-size city city with about 117K people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
45 upvotes
6 Replies
Katherine Cox
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 53, moved here 9 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
35 upvotes
Benjamin G.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Aiden S.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The dating scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Hailey Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 30, moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
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