Hey folks, We have two kids and Household incomes average around $108,385 in Ballenger Creek. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Let me know your thoughts. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
8 Replies
Sadie Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene 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.
40 upvotes
Arianna Hill
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Seattle it's underrated.
40 upvotes
Daniel W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches 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 average. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Gianna C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 1 years. Moved from Dallas for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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 challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
William Collins
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Daniel Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Skylar Mendoza
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
Axel Evans
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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