Been meaning to ask this. I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 12.4%, which is around average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
mountain_reagan50
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Denver it's excellent.
40 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 50, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K 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.
37 upvotes
Silas
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Benjamin Cox
big facts right here
34 upvotes
nycwalker2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Stella Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Charlotte Roberts
I'm a teacher and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is average and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Valentina Wood
been saying this for years
25 upvotes
Ezra Kelly
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
22 upvotes
Jeremiah Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from New York about 11 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
17 upvotes
Caroline A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
13 upvotes
Scarlett Moore
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Theodore R.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Luna Wilson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
happy_samuel70
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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