So, I grew up here but left for a while. Homes are going for about $145,300 on average. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Thoughts? The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
John Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 48, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in West and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
36 upvotes
Joseph Roberts
seconding this
33 upvotes
Isabella Reyes
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
23 upvotes
Adam F.
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
20 upvotes
Aaliyah Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
19 upvotes
chicago_melanie
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Dominic Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Denver about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
nyc_adrian
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
Willow Sanchez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
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