Hey folks, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a small town city with about 11,485 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Thanks! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Rylee Morgan
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
36 upvotes
Nolan A.
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much affordable but now it's better than expected.
29 upvotes
Ryan Brown
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Eliana R.
lol so true
16 upvotes
Evelyn Cooper
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
11 upvotes
alice_papa
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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