I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $64,433, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $186,800, which is actually reasonable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I overthinking this?
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Gabriella Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Julian W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Brooklyn Peterson
Came here for work and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
30 upvotes
Connor Allen
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Piper C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 45, moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
13 upvotes
Jack P.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
10 upvotes
Luna Peterson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Jayden Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
9 upvotes
Quinn Cruz
accurate
6 upvotes
Jonathan J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Olivia Peterson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Sunset area are underrated. Kids love it here.
All Countries
