Born and raised here. Median household income is $31,564, which feels on the lower side for the area. The median home value here is around $110,700, which is actually reasonable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
0 upvotes
3 Replies
Sadie Phillips
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Benjamin Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
25 upvotes
Daniel Sanders
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Eastside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
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