I'm a teacher here and Homes are going for about $475,300 on average. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
1 upvotes
9 Replies
Eleanor W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Nashville about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is solid.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Declan Campbell
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's solid.
34 upvotes
Daniel G.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's tough.
34 upvotes
Austin Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 40, moved here 13 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Maple Ridge and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The weather situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
32 upvotes
Hailey Hernandez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 2 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are surprisingly 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Easton E.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The pet-friendliness is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Eva Jones
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 1 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks 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 improving. 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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