First post here. Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 21,293 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Battle Ground sits at 79.5 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Lydia Green
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Greyson Watson
I've lived in Westside 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 cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cultural scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Oliver Jones
100%
21 upvotes
Piper S.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
19 upvotes
Megan H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 47, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Atlanta, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
17 upvotes
Easton G.
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
14 upvotes
Nora T.
been saying this for years
11 upvotes
Frances C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is solid.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Ezekiel Kelly
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
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