Hey, I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Kelso sits at 267.1 per 100K. You can expect to pay around $1,131 for rent here. The median home value here is around $302,300, which seems about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Claire
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
34 upvotes
Julia
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Uptown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Thomas Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 40, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Fairview and East, 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. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Denver, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K 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.
22 upvotes
Alexa Baker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
