How is life around Nigata?

I've lived in Okinawa for a couple years (not military), and have traveled around some of the southern parts of Japan to scout potential new places to live. While Okinawa, Kagoshima, and the like are very nice, I'm much more accustomed to moderate climates, and I want to avoid the greater Tokyo area. So I've been lightly researching other places, and I'm curious what people's thoughts are on Niigata when it comes to lifestyle, is it a good place to raise a family, foreigner friendly, etc…

Any thoughts or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated 🙂

Edit: I am aware that I spelled Niigata incorrectly in the title