OK so Been living here since 2020. Household incomes average around $56,123 in Auburn. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What do you all think? The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Vivian Ruiz
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The pet-friendliness scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
houstonlover2026
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
32 upvotes
Stella Jones
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cost of living is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Lucas Turner
been saying this for years
27 upvotes
Maverick Rogers
good to know, thanks
23 upvotes
Clara Long
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Axel F.
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Ezekiel Moore
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
17 upvotes
Roman Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Amanda J.
yep
5 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 40, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Austin, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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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