Hey folks, The unemployment rate is 1.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,261/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Thoughts? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
27 upvotes
12 Replies
Mary W.
noted, appreciate it
30 upvotes
Avery Jimenez
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Camila Jones
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
27 upvotes
Eleanor King
noted, appreciate it
23 upvotes
Eliana Harris
been saying this for years
20 upvotes
Danielle O.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
19 upvotes
Adam T.
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
15 upvotes
Savannah S.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The weather is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Amelia Cook
I've lived in West for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Leonardo K.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
7 upvotes
Vivian Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 46, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. decent 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
3 upvotes
Leo Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 52, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
All Countries
