First post here. Median household income is $67,205, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 42,565 people. With a population of 42,565, Jefferson City is a smaller city. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
20 upvotes
21 Replies
Ezra Jimenez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Shirley W.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Parker Kelly
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much growing but now it's excellent.
32 upvotes
George L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education 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's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Sadie Evans
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much stable but now it's underrated.
29 upvotes
Wesley D.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 12 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Westside schools are excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Carter K.
I'm a project manager and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Amelia Turner
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Avery Lopez
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Ellie Jackson
good to know, thanks
15 upvotes
Madeline Price
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in engineering. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Julia Thompson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
12 upvotes
Ryan Parker
honestly same experience here
9 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
9 upvotes
Gianna Johnson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Aaron Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 44, moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Nice parks and green spaces
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 housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
7 upvotes
Jaxon Cox
noted, appreciate it
6 upvotes
Serenity Long
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Cooper Morris
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
4 upvotes
Madeline Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are solid. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
Kenneth S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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