Curious what people think. Median household income is $153,786, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,484/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $934,100, which is pretty steep. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Camila Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Piper M.
bump
39 upvotes
Brooklyn Wood
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
eva_mind
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 38, moved here 7 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.
30 upvotes
Isla Rodriguez
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Catherine J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Grace H.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Joseph P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Adeline Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely underrated and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Uptown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
15 upvotes
Delilah Davis
spot on
12 upvotes
charlotte_owen
glad someone said it
9 upvotes
Angel Parker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 38, moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in The Heights and Fairview, 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 airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
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