OK so You can expect to pay around $2,651 for rent here. It's a a small town city with about 8,544 people. Crime rate is something to consider -Closter sits at 58.4 per 100K. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks! There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Everly Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
40 upvotes
Mason Lopez
preach
38 upvotes
Daniel Rogers
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
david_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
Jennifer M.
I work in construction here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Jacob Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 58, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Midtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. improving 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K 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.
25 upvotes
Andrea C.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Clara P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 6 years. Moved from Tampa for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Zoe Cook
100%
16 upvotes
Declan Morgan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Avery Young
noted, appreciate it
15 upvotes
Eli F.
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Ryan L.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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