Hey everyone, I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 4.3%, which is about average. You can expect to pay around $1,916 for rent here. Homes are going for about $343,500 on average. Poverty rate is 5.3%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
22 upvotes
15 Replies
Declan Robinson
yeah no that's not right
37 upvotes
Aria
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Carson Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
21 upvotes
houston_cooper
underrated comment
21 upvotes
Allison Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Charlotte S.
Saving this thread
17 upvotes
Nova Cox
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Emilia Thompson
Moved here from Dallas about 12 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Paisley King
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Lakewood area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Nova R.
yeah no that's not right
8 upvotes
Adrian M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Jordan Hall
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
5 upvotes
Angel Phillips
this is the way
4 upvotes
Quinn H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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