Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 4 years and Crime rate is something to consider -Kenmore sits at 76.8 per 100K. Household incomes average around $137,926 in Kenmore. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Would love some local perspective. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
13 Replies
Ella M.
it depends on the neighborhood
38 upvotes
real_ezekiel33
hard disagree but ok
38 upvotes
Cameron Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Isaiah C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 25, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. better than expected 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 Raleigh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
31 upvotes
Zoey Clark
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely average and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
30 upvotes
Paisley Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Brooks White
lol so true
30 upvotes
Kennedy Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 29, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
26 upvotes
Camila R.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is decent in most areas.
20 upvotes
Kaylee
Moved here from Baltimore about 15 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Aaliyah Alvarez
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The cultural scene is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
14 upvotes
Adam Gomez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Maya Patel
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
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