OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Household incomes average around $108,611 in Excelsior. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Worth the trade-offs? The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
14 Replies
Aubrey
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Sebastian Roberts
I work in retail here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Axel James
I've lived in Old Town for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Brielle F.
hmm interesting perspective
31 upvotes
Autumn Brooks
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's surprisingly good.
28 upvotes
Madelyn Cox
following this thread
28 upvotes
Grayson Perez
I've lived in Westside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The pet-friendliness scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Gianna
hard disagree but ok
24 upvotes
kaylee_guy
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Allison
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Dennis R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Samuel Brooks
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The housing market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Ruby Foster
Came here for school and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The food scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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