Crime rate is something to consider -Elk Plain sits at 279.4 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
Jean A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Midtown. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Ava Wood
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 39, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. improving 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Hailey L.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Jace R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
William
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it exceeded my expectations.
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