All Countries
Theresa A.
best-worst
What Bainbridge Island does better than anywhere else
OK so Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think?
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Brooklyn
great question, following
36 upvotes
Lucas Wilson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
32 upvotes
Michael
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
raleigh_ellie
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
legal is strong here. real estate 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Midtown for 9 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
legal is strong here. real estate 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Angela C.
Moved here from Houston about 7 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but No regrets on my end..
25 upvotes
Miles S.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Vivian Davis
facts
24 upvotes
Bennett Johnson
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The school system is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Connor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 9 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Karen P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The school system situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
14 upvotes
Hannah Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are underrated. 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 public transit options. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are underrated. 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 public transit options. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Aaron Turner
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Korean places. it was the best decision I ever made.
8 upvotes
Andrew R.
spot on
1 upvotes