Poverty rate is 6.6%, which is pretty low. It's a a small town city with about 11,103 people. With a population of 11,103, Birch Bay is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Victoria Ramos
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Evan
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Carter Jones
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
kcmind2023
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Chloe P.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
31 upvotes
Daniel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 50, moved here 1 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in The Heights and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
29 upvotes
Eliana Chavez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Grace H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Jameson C.
thanks for sharing
25 upvotes
Theodore
This.
10 upvotes
Sarah
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Chicago about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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