Born and raised here. Average temperature is around 74--F, so it's warm year-round. Homes are going for about $220,500 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Luna Rogers
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Paisley M.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Houston it's pretty good.
17 upvotes
indywalker2025
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in tech. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Mateo Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 15 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Alexa Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 25, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The traffic situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K 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.
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