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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2018 9:18:49 GMT -5
I went to Law school in Des Moines a very long time ago. I can tell you that the winters can be bitter (windy), and you'd best check flood plains before you buy or rent anything near the river. Otherwise, I enjoyed being there (except for most of that law school thing - did anyone reeeeally enjoy law school?). I KNEW it on the winters!!! No way Des Moines could be that close to Minnesota with winters stated above. perhaps the person describing Des Moines grew up in Northern Canada. i hated first half of law, school, enjoyed last part of year 2, and loved year 3. Since you sort of asked  |
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2018 12:16:32 GMT -5
#5 What's it like to live in Fayetteville, AR?
Well, for starters, there is no OHO office in Fayetteville but I'm pretty sure there is one in Fort Smith, so this can at least help with the geographic info. These 2 cites are about an hour apart. Although there may be differences between Faytetteville and Fort Smith, its not like I'm comparing Mt P to Fort Smith or anything.
Newcomers often comment on the friendliness of Fayetteville residents. People wave and smile at each other in the street, and community events are well-attended. With dozens of volunteer organizations and nonprofits, there's an abundance of ways to get involved in the community. I suspect Ft. Smith is similar in this regard.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville attracts outdoorsy types with its abundance of state parks, acres of community green space, playgrounds, parks and walking trails.
Fayetteville, Arkansas is ranked:
#5 in Best Places to Live
#14 in Best Places to Retire
What's the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR?
Drawn to jobs at Tyson, Walmart and Walmart's vendor community, newcomers have flooded the area over the past several years, pushing housing prices up and enticing real estate developers to build. While real estate in Fayetteville is some of the most expensive in Arkansas, Fayetteville's median home sale price is lower than in other real estate markets in the U.S. And I think but could be wrong Ft. Smith is even better for home prices.
Fayetteville offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs this Year
Fayetteville
$182,508
USA
$222,408
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors.
Buying or selling a home? Find top real estate agents in Fayetteville, AR.
What's the weather like in Fayetteville, AR?
Although residents experience all four seasons, the overall mild climate in Fayetteville means that any snow that falls usually doesn't last more than a few days.
45
35
26
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Fayetteville, AR?
Although you don't necessarily need a car if you live in the Fayetteville area, having one will come in handy, especially if you're commuting between multiple cities in the Northwest Arkansas area. Traffic is manageable, and it takes residents less than 22 minutes on average to get to work.
in case you decide Ft. Smith is for you and venture north,
What is there to do in Fayetteville, AR?
Fayetteville residents take college football very seriously; you have been forewarned. When the University of Arkansas' Razorback football team plays home games, the community floods the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium to "call the hogs." The local stores stock T-shirts, toothbrushes, lamps and even bedding emblazoned with Razorback logos.
Fayetteville residents are also very keen on the arts. Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street boasts a full Broadway theater season while TheatreSquared, located just off of Dickson Street, welcomes more than 30,000 patrons per year.
The city of Fayetteville has 36 parks and 16 natural areas. Altogether, these spaces cover more than 4,200 acres and feature 79 miles of trails, three lakes, a swimming pool, a skate park and much more.
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2018 12:19:01 GMT -5
It's late, I'm on the board, reading other posts. I run across a post about Des Moines, and the ADD kicks in. Down the rabbit trail I go, to find where they came up with such an unusual name. Here's what Wiki has to say: Des Moines Etymology From the French name of the nearby Rivière des Moines, which superficially means "river of the monks" and has traditionally been interpreted as a reference to the Trappist monks who settled along it. "It is more likely, however, to be a name of Native American origin, recorded in a 1673 text as moinguena", a Miami designation of the Moingona. The precise interpretation is uncertain; see Moingona. There you go folks, a bit of trivia. Maybe it'll be a Jeopardy answer someday. oh yeah!!!! somebody joined in the fun. Don't be shy everyone else. City #6 is next but it looks like link is broken. sigh, let me see if above link still works |
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2018 12:21:42 GMT -5
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Post by christina on Apr 12, 2018 19:44:35 GMT -5
#6 Portland, Oregon What's it like to live in Portland, OR? Portland's population toes the line between an innocent playfulness and a shameless wild side. Naked bicycle rides, a fully costumed adult soapbox derby and Voodoo Doughnuts – a bakery that is known for making one-of-a-kind donuts – are a sampling of ways residents live up to the unofficial city motto: "Keep Portland Weird." Locals tend to be friendly and laid-back while maintaining a healthy work ethic. This, combined with Portland's emphasis on self-expression, has created a breeding ground for many independent businesses and startups. Portland is a well-rounded region with more than just the offbeat shops and events. Museums, art galleries and the oldest public library on the West Coast feed a population with more academic degrees than the national average. The metro area's loyal sports fans avidly support their NBA basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers; MLS soccer team, the Portland Timbers; and major junior ice hockey team, the Portland Winterhawks. Wilderness is also close by. Two mountain ranges and the Pacific Ocean can be reached in an hour or two, while the fertile vineyards of the Willamette Valley lure city dwellers with a thirst for something fresh. Rankings U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there. Portland, Oregon is ranked: #6 in Best Places to Live #70 in Best Places to Retire 7.3 Overall SCORECARD Desirability10.0 Value6.5 Job Market7.3 Quality of Life6.5 Net Migration 7.4 Read how we rank places Portland, OR Quick Stats 2,351,319 METRO POPULATION $53,960 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY 63.1° / 45.6° AVG HIGH/LOW TEMPS 37.6 MEDIAN AGE $349,675  MEDIAN HOME PRICE 36.0 inches AVG ANNUAL RAINFALL 3.8% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE $1,047 MEDIAN MONTHLY RENT 26.2 minutes AVG COMMUTE TIME What's the cost of living in Portland, OR? Portland's average living expenses are higher than the national average. This is in part to housing costs, with both median home sale prices and rents rising faster than in most other similarly sized metro areas. Residents wanting to stretch their real estate dollar often look to the outlying areas of Beaverton, Gresham or Vancouver, Washington. Though Oregon's income tax rate is one of the highest in the country, there's no sales tax. Portland offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income. Housing Costs this Year Portland $349,675 USA $222,408 Housing Costs Over Time Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. What's the weather like in Portland, OR? Portland has four distinct seasons. The rainy season lasts from October to mid-spring, peaking at the end of the year. Though there is the occasional downpour, precipitation often falls as a drizzle light enough that long pants or an umbrella aren't needed. Summer days are sunny and dry, and winter temperatures don't often fall below freezing. If the region does see snow, it's typically gone within a few hours. Seasonal Temperature (Avgs) 41.9°F Winter 52.9°F Spring 67.4°F Summer 55.3°F Fall Seasonal Rainfall (Avgs) 5.5 in Winter 3.7 in Spring 1.7 in Summer 5.6 in Fall You can get around the bulk of Portland without a car, but owning one is helpful if you plan to travel to areas outside the city center. For drivers, commute times average at less than half an hour, with traffic mostly jamming up at interstate connections, sections of Highway 26 and 217 and the Interstate 5 Bridge crossing the Columbia River. A robust bicycling culture has led to well-marked bike lanes and paths for safe two-wheel travel throughout the metro area. The region's mass transit system, TriMet, uses five light rail lines to effectively connect downtown, the Portland International Airport and outlying neighborhoods. This is supplemented by almost 80 bus lines and a commuter rail that connects the metro community of Beaverton to Wilsonville. In addition to the airport, Portland is connected to other regions along the West Coast by Amtrak and several charter bus companies. Commuting in Portland, OR Means of Transportation Driving 80% Below national average Bicycling 2% Equal to national average Walking 3% Equal to national average Public Transit 6% Equal to national average Average Commute Time 26.2 minutes 0.1 minutes more than national average Average Commute Times by Zip Code Who lives in Portland, OR? Much of Portland's culture is driven by a population that is primarily young, well-educated and liberal. But the metro region is quite accommodating for kids. Family-friendly activities abound, from animal viewing at the zoo to hiking in local parks to taking in performances by one of several children's theater companies. Portland residents are also less willing to commit to an organized faith than those who live in other parts of the country. In the U.S., Portland is rated at the top of the list for residents without a religious affiliation. Across the region, the homeless population isn't as high as some metro areas. But the mild winters allow for year-round camping, so displaced individuals can remain year round. |
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Post by jimmyjiggles on Apr 12, 2018 21:44:56 GMT -5
I read the list, and I don’t buy it at all. Fayetteville, AR is in the top ten? I’ve been there many times, had family that lived there (home of wal-mart!!!), and just no.
COS is number 2??? In the entire country?!?!?! The town that somehow got a road sign for focus on the family and is only known for it’s religious zealotry and being the number 1 or 2 target in a nuclear war? GMAB.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2018 22:03:02 GMT -5
Are you kidding? You can get about 160 acres for $80,000.00 just east of both C-Springs and Denver. Live outside of town, and commute to work (or telework). Drill your own well, and viola. You're in heaven (sort of). www.landandfarm.com/search/Colorado-land-for-sale/ |
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Post by christina on Apr 13, 2018 5:36:43 GMT -5
Hey, I'm just pulling from the news article. Actually, all of you jumping in with real world info is awesome.
But back to Denver, especially with the discussion about telework on another thread. Let's say I buy a property as suggested. How long would my commute be to the office? I would prefer to not be more than a 20 to 30 commute from an office if I were an ALJ. Serious questions here.
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Post by christina on Apr 13, 2018 5:44:18 GMT -5
I read the list, and I don’t buy it at all. Fayetteville, AR is in the top ten? I’ve been there many times, had family that lived there (home of wal-mart!!!), and just no. COS is number 2??? In the entire country?!?!?! The town that somehow got a road sign for focus on the family and is only known for it’s religious zealotry and being the number 1 or 2 target in a nuclear war? GMAB. True, i forgot there will be no more CS if a nuclear war. But as some has said, boom, you are gone. No worries about lingering radiation or post nuclear war apocalypse for you. I'm sure CS is not full of religious zealots (although from what you have said sounds like there are clearly some and perhaps a sizable portion) but your real world feedback data there is also great. That will be a turnoff for some so it's good to learn about. i have some questions about the accuracy of some of this info too. But it's fun to do while we wait and although we may ponder the precise rankings, I am finding this article provides helpful data for cities i know nothing about. And for cities I know more about, some of the info is right on point. And we are all welcome to color the article's accuracy with real world info as we go along! |
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Post by jimmyjiggles on Apr 13, 2018 6:47:33 GMT -5
Are you kidding? You can get about 160 acres for $80,000.00 just east of both C-Springs and Denver. Live outside of town, and commute to work (or telework). Drill your own well, and viola. You're in heaven (sort of). www.landandfarm.com/search/Colorado-land-for-sale/I don’t doubt that, but my friends who live in the area refer to the area east of the front range as “west Kansas.” I dare say one could buy 160 acres of farmland in any of the midwestern states for a reasonable sum, and probably with better weather, though in most cases much farther from mountain recreation. Water is getting more scarce by the day in the western states as well. Oh and Christina, I do not think one could make a commute from the eastern areas to Denver proper (as opposed the metro area generally) in 30 minutes. When I was last there I stayed in Aurora one night and Louisville (just outside boulder) the other. I think it took at least 20 minutes just to make it from Aurora to Denver. I’ve been there a handful of times in the last decade and the population explosion is really evident, along with associated traffic. I haven’t read past the top ten on the list, but my vote for a cool place to live is Bozeman Montana. Haven’t been there in a while, but I thought it was an awesome mid sized college town, fairly close to mountains and rafting (I love rafting). Not too overpriced yet. Alas, I do not think OHO has an office there. |
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Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 13, 2018 6:58:20 GMT -5
What's the definition of a religious zealot? Where does a person cross the line from being a person of faith to becoming a religious zealot? That's probably something like beauty - it's in the eye of the beholder. I'm not trying to take this down a different rabbit trail, but my faith is important to me. It guides what I do. When someone throws out a term like "religious zealot", it comes across as insulting. I don't think this board is the place for that, IMHO.
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Post by christina on Apr 13, 2018 7:11:38 GMT -5
What's the definition of a religious zealot? Where does a person cross the line from being a person of faith to becoming a religious zealot? That's probably something like beauty - it's in the eye of the beholder. I'm not trying to take this down a different rabbit trail, but my faith is important to me. It guides what I do. When someone throws out a term like "religious zealot", it comes across as insulting. I don't think this board is the place for that, IMHO. Extremely good point and my apologies for continuing to use this phrase |
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Post by jimmyjiggles on Apr 13, 2018 7:22:26 GMT -5
What's the definition of a religious zealot? Where does a person cross the line from being a person of faith to becoming a religious zealot? That's probably something like beauty - it's in the eye of the beholder. I'm not trying to take this down a different rabbit trail, but my faith is important to me. It guides what I do. When someone throws out a term like "religious zealot", it comes across as insulting. I don't think this board is the place for that, IMHO. A fair point. They aren’t zealots to the degree of say, ISIS. Certainly faith guides many (most?) people, though to me I would not even consider that being “religious” per say. But that proves your initial point that this is in the eye of th beholder. So I’ll substitute “religious enthusiasts” in COS’ case. Apologies to have caused offense Judgeknot, it was not my intent. |
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Post by bayou on Apr 13, 2018 8:10:04 GMT -5
The board isn't much fun when y'all act like adults over disagreements. I still can't believe that Tigerlaw didn't show up for that recent vet "discussion".
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Post by jimmyjiggles on Apr 13, 2018 8:16:03 GMT -5
The board isn't much fun when y'all act like adults over disagreements. I still can't believe that Tigerlaw didn't show up for that recent vet "discussion". lol. Hey well, we’ll always have the rest of the internet! It is much to Pixies credit that she can maintain the high quality of this board. The intellectual honesty and professionalism of the posters here is truly refreshing. It is literally the only forum I have seen that does not devolve into outright trolling and vitriol. |
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Post by stevil on Apr 13, 2018 8:36:26 GMT -5
CS is a very nice area - Cheyenne Mountain not so much! Like being caught in a submarine with mechanical oil tasting air. Would hate to be in it when any war breaks out, but even North Korea, Russia, and China know that Cheyenne Mountain is no longer the place people imagine it to be from movies. Don't know they'd go to the trouble of wasting a nuke on it now.
Fayetteville is a very nice community if you like smaller and affordable living areas. College town with an active sports and arts scene - and Tusker (a ginourmous Razorback), the world's best, and only pig-related college mascot! Truly fun to call in the hogs at a Razorback football game (although Alabama crushed the life out of them in the second half when I was there). Beautiful campus - and at least one exceptional person working at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences.
Lots of outdoor activities if you like hunting/fishing/hiking, and a really cool town square over the Christmas season. Walmart and heirs have poured a ton of money into sports and art/theater facilites in that area. Plus, the Walmarts close to their HQ just up the road are not like the Walmarts down the street from most of us.
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Post by christina on Apr 13, 2018 8:42:27 GMT -5
Thanks to all but our office is actually in ft. Smith. I pulled in fayetteville from rankings cause they seem fairly close.
Does anyone know about ft Smith? And for those eager to
Follow the hogs, ft Smith is close enough for season football 🏈 tickets!
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Post by jimmyjiggles on Apr 13, 2018 9:03:43 GMT -5
Hold on a sec, the Razorback is the only pig related college mascot in the nation? There’s not a school with a javelina as a mascot? C’mon, there’s got to be a small Texas school in need of a new mascot!
I’ll second what Stevil said about Fayetteville (my in-Law’s moved away a few years ago and I have not been back since), but they enjoyed it and I thought it was somewhat charming. I’m just like #5??? I dunno, I guess I should get out more, maybe the rest of country sucks more than I assume!
Different strokes for different folks and all that though
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Post by christina on Apr 13, 2018 9:05:41 GMT -5
Hold on a sec, the Razorback is the only pig related college mascot in the nation? There’s not a school with a javelina as a mascot? C’mon, there’s got to be a small Texas school in need of a new mascot! I’ll second what Stevil said about Fayetteville (my in-Law’s moved away a few years ago and I have not been back since), but they enjoyed it and I thought it was somewhat charming. I’m just like #5??? I dunno, I guess I should get out more, maybe the rest of country sucks more than I assume! Different strokes for different folks and all that though And 7 is Huntsville ala! But Des Moines is really the one that got me! |
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Post by JudgeKnot on Apr 13, 2018 9:56:22 GMT -5
Seeing Lansing, MI at #50 and Detroit at #83 on this list has me wondering how they developed their methodology and metrics. C'mon. There are only 49 cities in the entire US with a population of 50K and more that would be a better place to live than Lansing? Some people love Lansing. I don't.
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