Not sure if this has been asked before, but With a population of 111K, Everett is a mid-size city. Homes are going for about $532,300 on average. You can expect to pay around $1,675 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
53 upvotes
14 Replies
Madelyn Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Austin it's tough.
37 upvotes
raleighmama2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 56, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Downtown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for retirees. tough 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K 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
Kennedy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
32 upvotes
Quinn Garcia
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Lucas Wilson
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
Eva Gray
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Ezra Patel
seconding this
21 upvotes
Landon Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Greenfield for 7 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Greenfield schools are average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Kai Wood
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Carson Morgan
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Bella Y.
I work in legal here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is decent. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Jameson Jones
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Aria Martin
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Tampa about 14 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Chloe Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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