Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $1,713/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned?
1 upvotes
7 Replies
Clara Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 42, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The healthcare situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. 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 Phoenix, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
37 upvotes
Colton Alvarez
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. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Violet R.
I work in tech here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is tough. Definitely worth checking out..
33 upvotes
Chloe Martinez
exactly what I was thinking
25 upvotes
Lily Taylor
as a local I can confirm
12 upvotes
Aiden P.
following this thread
2 upvotes
Thomas Jimenez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Definitely worth checking out..
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