Been meaning to ask this. Born and raised here. Homes are going for about $85,400 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 33,209 people. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. Rent is about $1,080/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Ryan Cook
I'm a project manager and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
40 upvotes
Serenity H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 24, moved here 8 years ago from LA. I've lived in Sunset and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
35 upvotes
Clara Gutierrez
I've lived in Downtown for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Jerry A.
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Miles Bennett
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Alice B.
nah I disagree
13 upvotes
Everett Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 5 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Ian C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
All Countries
