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Barbara F. best-worst

Worst things about Lake Stevens nobody talks about

So, Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $593,900, which is pretty steep.
20 upvotes

13 Replies

Isaiah Torres
couldn't agree more
39 upvotes
Owen Cook
same here
29 upvotes
Parker B.
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much pricey but now it's decent.
27 upvotes
Luca Chavez
haha yep pretty much
25 upvotes
Catherine M.
Bought a house here in 2017 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Ezekiel Green
nah I disagree
23 upvotes
Ian Morgan
same here
22 upvotes
James Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a project manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.

Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options

Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.

Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Elena A.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.

If you value weather, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.

But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.

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.
17 upvotes
Sophie Taylor
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
17 upvotes
Aaron Mitchell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Avery James
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.

**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Isaac Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Chicago about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.

Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong sense of community

Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough

Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.

Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
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