Longtime lurker here, I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 4.5%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $70,845, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. 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. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
16 upvotes
8 Replies
stlsoul2024
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The housing market is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Eliana D.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Xavier Campbell
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Sophie Watson
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
phillymama2025
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is average in most areas.
17 upvotes
Walter L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 56, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 San Diego, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
14 upvotes
Jack C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Downtown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
jaxvibes2023
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is challenging in most areas.
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