My partner and I are Median household income is $48,617, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
28 upvotes
29 Replies
Matthew T.
noted, appreciate it
39 upvotes
Madeline Young
spot on
39 upvotes
Eva Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Arianna P.
as a local I can confirm
38 upvotes
Brooklyn Sanders
I work in finance here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is pretty good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Christian Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 4 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Dominic Alvarez
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
35 upvotes
Thomas Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 5 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Brooklyn C.
100%
28 upvotes
Cora Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Charlotte about 9 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Charlotte
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
William Brooks
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
samuel_vibes
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Zoe Hall
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The public transit is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Sophie Castillo
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Jameson Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 1 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Ezekiel Nelson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild 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 Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
17 upvotes
Genesis King
Totally agree!
14 upvotes
Lucas Cook
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Evan Allen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Avery C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 9 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Miami, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$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.
10 upvotes
ruby_heart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from Nashville for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. tech 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
portlandvibes2023
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
10 upvotes
Allison Wright
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Highland) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
10 upvotes
Ryan Y.
glad someone said it
6 upvotes
Thomas L.
big facts right here
5 upvotes
Grayson Rodriguez
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Indian places. I love the pace of life here.
4 upvotes
Kennedy R.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
1 upvotes
Joshua Martin
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in Midtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
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