I've been here for 19 years and It's a a smaller city city with about 25,201 people. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
20 upvotes
5 Replies
Hailey T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 55, moved here 13 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
30 upvotes
Allison King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Kaylee Chavez
honestly same experience here
15 upvotes
Levi Lee
Moved here from San Diego about 10 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Kai
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Riverside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Denver, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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