OK so I'm retired and Homes are going for about $197,200 on average. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. The median home value here is around $197,200, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Hannah Roberts
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Savannah Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 29, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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
Ellie Thompson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
urban_jeremiah14
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor recreation is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Mackenzie
I work in legal here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is solid. Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
David W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 50, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
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 shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
30 upvotes
Quinn M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
boston_noah
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Minneapolis it's excellent.
15 upvotes
Landon Johnson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Connor Lewis
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
9 upvotes
James R.
nah I disagree
7 upvotes
Ava Ramirez
I'm a data analyst and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
All Countries
