Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 27.5%, which is higher than I expected. The median home value here is around $121,000, which is actually reasonable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. What do you all think? Appreciate any input. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Bella Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 53, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Chicago, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
39 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
38 upvotes
Lydia Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 32, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Oak Park and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
30 upvotes
Noah D.
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.
26 upvotes
Lydia Adams
interesting, hadn't considered that
22 upvotes
Alexa Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Jeremiah Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 27, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in The Heights and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
14 upvotes
Michael G.
honestly same experience here
11 upvotes
Hudson G.
hard disagree but ok
9 upvotes
Kinsley Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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