Alright, I've been here for 20 years and The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Baker City sits at 225.6 per 100K. The median home value here is around $233,500, which is actually reasonable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Genesis Peterson
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
36 upvotes
John J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Midtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
36 upvotes
Carter Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely excellent and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
28 upvotes
Mackenzie W.
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Madelyn Lewis
I've lived in Eastside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Michael Phillips
Bought a house here in 2024 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
All Countries
