So, The median home value here is around $204,300, which is actually reasonable. Appreciate any input.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
Evelyn
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
38 upvotes
Chloe Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
35 upvotes
Wyatt
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
hazel_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 58, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Eastside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The nightlife situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
21 upvotes
Matthew
I've lived in East for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Feel free to reach out with questions..