Hi all, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $2,004/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $145,250 in Lake Tapps. Median household income is $145,250, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
13 Replies
Jose C.
this is the way
39 upvotes
Ezekiel Peterson
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Grace Peterson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Charlotte about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Austin K.
not my experience at all
35 upvotes
Addison Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 44, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Eastside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Francisco, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
Theodore N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
13 upvotes
Madelyn Lewis
I've lived in North for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
12 upvotes
Grayson T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Colton Peterson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Elizabeth
as a local I can confirm
5 upvotes
Savannah Hughes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Minneapolis it's underrated.
2 upvotes
Ruby Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in finance. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
1 upvotes
Adrian Cruz
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much competitive but now it's excellent.
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