The median home value here is around $1,047,300, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 4.6%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $119,885, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any help is appreciated. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
37 upvotes
9 Replies
Melanie Brooks
Moved here from Tampa about 1 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to walkability but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Michael Murphy
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
32 upvotes
Matthew G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 49, moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Diverse dining options
2. Strong sense of community
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. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
24 upvotes
Hunter H.
following this thread
24 upvotes
gianna_life
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 39, moved here 5 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The healthcare situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Tampa, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K 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.
24 upvotes
Vincent S.
I've lived in Highland for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Avery J.
I've lived in Eastside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Aubrey Long
I work in hospitality here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is decent. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Logan G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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