We have two kids and Rent is about $2,095/month for a decent place. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Any advice would be great. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
living_valentina55
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Vivian Ward
Moved here from Denver about 11 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to job market but No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Nolan H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 56, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Midtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 New York, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
30 upvotes
Audrey H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Highland. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Jacob Stewart
couldn't agree more
15 upvotes
Rylee Cook
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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