Curious what people think. I'm a remote worker and It's a a smaller city city with about 39,500 people. Rent is about $2,189/month for a decent place. With a population of 39,500, Lake Stevens is a smaller city. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
20 upvotes
17 Replies
sarah_life
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
36 upvotes
Addison Flores
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Elizabeth
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Hunter H.
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Easton Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 45, moved here 4 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Springfield and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The job market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
33 upvotes
Caroline Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Avery Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Ezra Morris
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
Mia K.
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The school system is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Sofia
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Mexican places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
23 upvotes
Connor Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 14 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Carolyn E.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to nightlife but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
15 upvotes
Jackson Murphy
Moved here last year, no regrets.
13 upvotes
Maya Rivera
This.
8 upvotes
Dominic Myers
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's pretty good.
5 upvotes
Kinsley T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Old Town) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare 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.
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