Hi all, I'm a teacher here and Poverty rate is 11.1%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $274,400, which seems about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Grayson W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Avery M.
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
31 upvotes
Liam R.
yep
24 upvotes
Andrew Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Houston about 8 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Hunter T.
I'm a nurse and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Waylon Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 50, moved here 9 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
15 upvotes
happy_john93
literally same
11 upvotes
Matthew Perez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
10 upvotes
Maverick
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Francisco about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
9 upvotes
Miles L.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Martha J.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The traffic is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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