Alright, I'm originally from Minneapolis and You can expect to pay around $1,067 for rent here. Homes are going for about $268,300 on average. Household incomes average around $64,488 in Columbia. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
44 upvotes
28 Replies
Connor Williams
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Connor Phillips
good to know, thanks
37 upvotes
fresno_henry
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 6 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Dylan Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 10 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are excellent. 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. Limited shopping options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Teresa M.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I love the pace of life here.
33 upvotes
Elijah
I've lived in Westside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Scarlett Howard
I work in real estate here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Caleb Alvarez
underrated comment
30 upvotes
Nicholas Long
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Baltimore it's solid.
27 upvotes
Jacob L.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
25 upvotes
Jessica K.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Liam Brooks
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to San Diego it's pretty good.
22 upvotes
Austin Gutierrez
interesting, hadn't considered that
18 upvotes
Nathan Cook
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Cooper H.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
18 upvotes
Kennedy Reed
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Indian places. it exceeded my expectations.
17 upvotes
David Cox
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
portland_lydia
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
14 upvotes
Michael Jones
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Nashville it's tough.
13 upvotes
Everett Lopez
+1
12 upvotes
Cora Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 48, moved here 11 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
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. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
12 upvotes
Wyatt Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
12 upvotes
Eliana
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
9 upvotes
Addison B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Adeline Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much manageable but now it's tough.
8 upvotes
James N.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Aiden
not my experience at all
3 upvotes
Adrian Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are excellent. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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