Random thought, Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Andrew K.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is tough in most areas.
33 upvotes
Ezra Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 36, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Dallas, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
32 upvotes
Kayden H.
I've lived in South for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Wyatt F.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Audrey Brooks
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
Emily Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Ellie Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Anna M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Riverside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
16 upvotes
Hunter Cox
exactly what I was thinking
14 upvotes
Aiden Collins
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
10 upvotes
clara_rider
exactly what I was thinking
9 upvotes
Luca Robinson
Moved here from Chicago about 6 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to safety but Hope this helps!.
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