Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 17.4%, which is higher than I expected. It's a a smaller city city with about 44,217 people. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What would you do? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
1 upvotes
5 Replies
Isaac
Can confirm, been here 12 years.
40 upvotes
Ethan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Aurora Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
35 upvotes
levi_kid
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 44, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K 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.
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