Anyone else feel this way? I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Does this match your experience? Cheers.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Jaxon Gomez
couldn't agree more
30 upvotes
Julia M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely improving and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic 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.
19 upvotes
Josiah Brooks
been saying this for years
19 upvotes
Avery
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Denver about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
local_ava92
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Aubrey
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is tough in most areas.
7 upvotes
Gloria C.
as a local I can confirm
1 upvotes
Adrian M.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
0 upvotes
william_mind
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 43, moved here 7 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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