Random thought, Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $238,900, which is actually reasonable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Am I wrong here? Thanks in advance! The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
22 upvotes
3 Replies
Lillian Morgan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 32, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
16 upvotes
Noah Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Ethan R.
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
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