Hey, I've been here for 1 years and Poverty rate is 15.6%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
4 Replies
Nora Adams
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great sushi places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
34 upvotes
Matthew Scott
Used to live on the East side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
20 upvotes
local_adrian90
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
13 upvotes
Adrian Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Seattle, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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.
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