Hello, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Am I overthinking this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
30 upvotes
8 Replies
Elizabeth R.
it depends on the neighborhood
32 upvotes
Cooper R.
seconding this
30 upvotes
Ethan Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 11 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Mateo M.
Moved here from Dallas about 13 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to public transit but Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Claire Sanchez
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Cora Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 54, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
14 upvotes
Jeremiah Ramirez
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Elijah W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Phoenix about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
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