Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $107,321, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks!
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Leo T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
sdchef2024
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
37 upvotes
Hazel Diaz
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Luca James
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
36 upvotes
Zoey Gutierrez
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's solid.
28 upvotes
Camila Peterson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 11 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Sarah M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Ruby Wood
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Thomas Mendoza
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
ariana_native
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Leo Kelly
Moved here from Boston about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to dating scene but Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Lillian Torres
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The school system is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Valentina Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 11 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Fairview and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
7 upvotes
tampalife2023
spot on
0 upvotes
Pamela W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 35, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Eastside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. excellent 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 LA, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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