Longtime lurker here, We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Burien sits at 343.6 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,742 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 51,331 people. Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
8 upvotes
4 Replies
Karen E.
following this thread
33 upvotes
Isabelle Richardson
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
33 upvotes
Zoe Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
20 upvotes
Silas Kim
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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