Hey, I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. Median household income is $42,699, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Grace Morgan
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Jackson Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Evelyn
Moved here last year, no regrets.
28 upvotes
Aiden Roberts
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Downtown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
26 upvotes
miami_jayden
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
23 upvotes
Melanie Martin
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
19 upvotes
tulsa_elena
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 26, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
14 upvotes
Maverick F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
14 upvotes
Mackenzie Watson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Julian Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from Denver for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Uptown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Amelia Allen
following this thread
8 upvotes
Luna
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
proud_kai69
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
