I work in finance and The median home value here is around $243,300, which is actually reasonable. It's a a smaller city city with about 58,882 people. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Nice parks and trails
- Low crime in most areas
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Lack of diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homelessness issues downtown
Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
3 upvotes
23 Replies
Thomas Lewis
facts
40 upvotes
Isla
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
mountain_ezekiel99
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Clara
seconding this
36 upvotes
Luca Patel
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Ava N.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Oliver Green
Saving this thread
34 upvotes
Rylee Davis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Jaxon
following this thread
31 upvotes
Sophie Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Greenfield and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. solid 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 Denver, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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
Madeline Taylor
literally same
29 upvotes
Kinsley Green
following this thread
26 upvotes
Luke Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Julian Mendoza
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Genesis C.
preach
23 upvotes
Elijah Smith
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
21 upvotes
Timothy M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
21 upvotes
Cooper Roberts
it depends on the neighborhood
15 upvotes
Jameson Nguyen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Denver it's hit or miss.
11 upvotes
Mackenzie
big facts right here
10 upvotes
Carter Ross
+1
8 upvotes
Isla Hill
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 7 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Theodore Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..