Hey everyone, Military spouse here. Median household income is $239,681, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $1,948,900 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Lydia G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Hailey D.
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
Camila C.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Noah Campbell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely tough and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
26 upvotes
cool_lucy29
noted, appreciate it
26 upvotes
Riley Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
22 upvotes
Thomas Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 50, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in South and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
16 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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