Homes are going for about $497,900 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
21 upvotes
7 Replies
Leo M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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
scarlett_kid
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Greenfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. pretty good 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
John Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Brian A.
yeah no that's not right
28 upvotes
Elizabeth B.
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Jace Perez
following this thread
5 upvotes
Claire Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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