Random thought, Just moved here 5 months ago and You can expect to pay around $877 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Joseph Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Camila Taylor
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much growing but now it's underrated.
34 upvotes
Peyton Young
Totally agree!
34 upvotes
Camila Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 56, moved here 7 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. hit or miss 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 San Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
31 upvotes
Luna Brown
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Kennedy Chavez
I work in finance here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is improving. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Leah Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Cooper Myers
Moved here last year, no regrets.
1 upvotes
Sofia Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Westside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
0 upvotes
Leah A.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Austin it's improving.
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