Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $107,000 on average. It's a a small town city with about 10,539 people. Average temperature is around 67--F, so the weather is moderate. Median household income is $37,846, which feels on the lower side for the area. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
2 upvotes
3 Replies
Luke J.
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Evan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Isaiah Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 45, moved here 7 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Seattle, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K 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.