Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and It's a a small town city with a
3 upvotes
14 Replies
Jack R.
bump
36 upvotes
Wesley Walker
Came here for family and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The school system is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Roman Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Maple Ridge. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Harper Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
25 upvotes
Cooper Nguyen
good to know, thanks
21 upvotes
Aaron Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Lydia M.
I've lived in Uptown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Gianna
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to San Francisco it's surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
Angel W.
interesting, hadn't considered that
7 upvotes
Jeremiah Collins
spot on
5 upvotes
Carson Stewart
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Sunset area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
5 upvotes
John Taylor
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Eva Taylor
Moved here from Houston about 1 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to nightlife but Would recommend to anyone considering it..