Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2007. Median household income is $79,274, which feels about average for the area. Homes are going for about $277,100 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Am I overthinking this? Any help is appreciated. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
13 Replies
Miles Cook
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Raleigh for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are excellent. 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Matthew Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely tough and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
37 upvotes
Natalie
I'm a teacher and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is average and there's always something going on.
33 upvotes
Noah H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is growing. 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.
32 upvotes
Melanie C.
100%
22 upvotes
Aurora
hard disagree but ok
22 upvotes
Kevin R.
bump
17 upvotes
Daniel G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is decent in most areas.
17 upvotes
Gabriel Ramirez
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
Willow
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
Sophie C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Rylee Gomez
Totally agree!
5 upvotes
Matthew S.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
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