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Kai S.
moving
Remote worker thinking about Auburn
First post here. You can expect to pay around $1,034 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
29 Replies
Elijah Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
40 upvotes
Paisley Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Fairview and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 30, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Fairview and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
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. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
40 upvotes
Ezekiel Thomas
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Olivia Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Salt Lake City it's decent.
39 upvotes
Wyatt Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Victoria Evans
interesting, hadn't considered that
35 upvotes
Jessica W.
same here
32 upvotes
Christian Jones
Bought a house here in 2019 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
26 upvotes
Isabelle
preach
26 upvotes
Sarah Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like seafood.
No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Aurora Edwards
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Raleigh it's tough.
23 upvotes
Alexander Ramirez
Came here for weather and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The community vibe is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Jose B.
Used to live on the Westside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
20 upvotes
Sarah M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Kinsley
I've lived in The Heights for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Riley Brooks
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in South for 15 years. Moved from Miami for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Levi Watson
big facts right here
17 upvotes
Sadie Garcia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Luca H.
+1
16 upvotes
Adam Johnson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is solid in most areas.
15 upvotes
Lily Garcia
noted, appreciate it
15 upvotes
Maverick Adams
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
15 upvotes
Nova Lee
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
12 upvotes
Evan L.
this is the way
9 upvotes
Elijah D.
+1
7 upvotes
Valentina Sanders
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Wesley Peterson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 15 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Cooper Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
1 upvotes