We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $186,100 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Jace Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Leo R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Kennedy W.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Dylan Gutierrez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in East. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Nevaeh Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Fairview and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. improving 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
26 upvotes
Eva L.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
25 upvotes
Hailey Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
denver_isabelle
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Emily
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Colton Wood
yep
14 upvotes
Aaron Johnson
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Fairview area are tough. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Nicholas
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Peyton Cox
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 6 years. Moved from Phoenix for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. hospitality 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Chloe Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes
mason_dude
Moved here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but Hope this helps!.
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