Longtime lurker here, We have two kids and Median household income is $78,532, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $2,075/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
6 Replies
Serenity Gray
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from San Diego about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Grace P.
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The safety is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
17 upvotes
Landon T.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
Nicholas Mendoza
following this thread
15 upvotes
Jacob King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in legal. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Valentina
I've lived in Old Town for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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