Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Am I overthinking this?
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Jonathan Wilson
big facts right here
16 upvotes
Sophie
I work in retail here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is tough. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Austin Foster
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
13 upvotes
John Cook
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. 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 golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
lafan2020
accurate
2 upvotes
Stella P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 54, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K 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.