Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and It's a a small town city with about 15,521 people. The unemployment rate is 0.5%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 11.1%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 66--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Has anyone dealt with this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
7 Replies
Riley Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 4 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
jacob_girl
accurate
35 upvotes
Adam Green
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Douglas R.
accurate
24 upvotes
Carson C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Evan Edwards
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely challenging and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
9 upvotes
Reagan Campbell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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