Thinking about relocating to Lake Tapps from San Diego
Been living here since 2019. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Rent is about $2,004/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $145,250 in Lake Tapps. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
11 upvotes
15 Replies
Nora Adams
Moved here from Miami about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to dating scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Sadie S.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Adrian Ward
great question, following
38 upvotes
milwaukee_jackson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Greyson Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are better than expected. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
vegas_piper
spot on
33 upvotes
Ellie O.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 5 years. Moved from Charlotte for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are decent. 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. Property taxes are high. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Autumn Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 49, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
25 upvotes
Alexa H.
lol so true
24 upvotes
Isabella M.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
20 upvotes
Melissa B.
haha yep pretty much
17 upvotes
Brooklyn Adams
Saving this thread
16 upvotes
Hailey D.
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
Levi Wright
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mediterranean places. the quality of life is solid.
4 upvotes
samuel_living
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
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