Hey everyone, I'm a remote worker and Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I wrong here? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Aaliyah Collins
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
40 upvotes
Nova King
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Nova R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 28, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Can feel isolated
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for families. underrated 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
34 upvotes
Isabella
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
33 upvotes
lake_everett83
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Leah Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Jonathan Walker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Nova Sanders
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Oliver Howard
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor recreation is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Aurora Robinson
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
Hannah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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