Hey, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Homes are going for about $152,300 on average. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 63,124, Hamilton is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I wrong here? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
26 upvotes
17 Replies
Naomi
glad someone said it
38 upvotes
Aurora Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 30, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in West and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
35 upvotes
Gerald W.
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Midtown area are average. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Ariana Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Willow Ruiz
facts
25 upvotes
Jackson Gonzalez
I'm a teacher and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Luna
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
21 upvotes
Olivia H.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Hudson Cook
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Greyson Reyes
couldn't agree more
14 upvotes
Maya Walker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 53, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
12 upvotes
Marilyn S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
10 upvotes
Sophia Anderson
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Piper Allen
Came here for retirement and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
Gabriella Roberts
literally same
6 upvotes
Greyson Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
brooklyn_chef
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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