Been meaning to ask this. It's a a small town city with about 5,356 people. What are your go-to spots?
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Jameson L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 30, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
40 upvotes
Eli Harris
literally same
39 upvotes
Brenda R.
bump
39 upvotes
Autumn W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Leo Morris
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Carter Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are average. 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. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Olivia C.
thanks for sharing
20 upvotes
Charlotte Anderson
100%
19 upvotes
nyc_thomas
interesting, hadn't considered that
17 upvotes
Ryan Williams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Avery Davis
hard disagree but ok
17 upvotes
native_david96
facts
14 upvotes
Wyatt Johnson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Dallas about 7 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Adeline S.
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
isaac_mind
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.