You can expect to pay around $1,384 for rent here. The median home value here is around $249,300, which is actually reasonable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
17 Replies
philly_emilia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 28, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Midtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Seattle, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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
native_emma72
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 52, moved here 10 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. underrated 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 Diego, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
34 upvotes
Emmett Mitchell
preach
33 upvotes
Brielle Peterson
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The pet-friendliness is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
27 upvotes
Autumn Watson
seconding this
26 upvotes
Theodore White
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 13 years. Moved from Denver for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is average - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Bugs and humidity in summer. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Sadie Allen
I'm a contractor and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Emmett Reyes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Luca Roberts
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
Aaron M.
same here
18 upvotes
evan_walker
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Catherine B.
spot on
15 upvotes
Madeline Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 55, moved here 5 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K 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.
9 upvotes
Avery Williams
couldn't agree more
7 upvotes
Josiah
Moved here last year, no regrets.
6 upvotes
Camila M.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much established but now it's challenging.
4 upvotes
Hannah N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Uptown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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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