OK so The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 14.5%, which is around average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Maya Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
39 upvotes
Mason Gray
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 35, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Westside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. excellent 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 Atlanta, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
26 upvotes
Eli King
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Arianna W.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
21 upvotes
Luca M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Downtown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Ellie Kim
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
17 upvotes
Dylan Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 12 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The walkability situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
16 upvotes
Josiah
preach
14 upvotes
sophia_girl
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Elizabeth E.
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: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Quinn Evans
+1
7 upvotes
Lillian Hughes
as a local I can confirm
7 upvotes
Daniel Martinez
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 6 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to job market but Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Joseph Roberts
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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