Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. It's a a small town city with about 10,406 people. Rent is about $1,024/month for a decent place. Median household income is $55,422, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
15 Replies
Lillian Gomez
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Claire Carter
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Audrey Patel
bump
31 upvotes
atllocal2024
+1
28 upvotes
Adam C.
same here
22 upvotes
Zoe Baker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (North) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
19 upvotes
Aurora Hall
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Patrick C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 46, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Uptown and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
17 upvotes
Luke Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Lillian C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 44, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
15 upvotes
Leo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in South and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Chicago, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
12 upvotes
Dylan
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Madeline P.
spot on
7 upvotes
Luca Gutierrez
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Landon Torres
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
All Countries
