Hello, Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $391,200 on average. Poverty rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What neighborhoods would you suggest? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. 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. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
26 upvotes
18 Replies
Easton C.
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Kinsley Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Connor L.
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Jaxon Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from LA for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Kaylee Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 1 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Naomi M.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The walkability is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Lydia Kelly
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Liam M.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor recreation is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Maya Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Logan S.
+1
21 upvotes
Theodore Patel
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Miami for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Greyson Alvarez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Austin P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Parker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
13 upvotes
Oliver M.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
13 upvotes
Jeremiah Ortiz
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
7 upvotes
Roman Rodriguez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Anna Bailey
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
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