Anyone else feel this way? It's a a mid-size city city with about 117K people. Rent is about $1,539/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. 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.
16 upvotes
5 Replies
Caleb Lopez
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Violet Ramos
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is tough in most areas.
33 upvotes
Madelyn Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Riley Cook
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Emilia Rogers
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 44, moved here 14 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Westside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
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