I'm a teacher here and The median home value here is around $661,900, which is pretty steep. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What neighborhoods would you suggest? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
Mia M.
Moved here from San Francisco about 5 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to food scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Colton Peterson
Came here for weather and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community vibe is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Clara Turner
Moved here from San Diego about 14 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Ellie Harris
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 5 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. 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 hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Naomi Kelly
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Riverside and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
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