OK so Just moved here 18 months ago and Poverty rate is 4.4%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
22 upvotes
29 Replies
Eugene N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Boston about 6 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Axel K.
Came here for work and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The healthcare is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
sunny_stella97
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The weather is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
36 upvotes
Jose
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
35 upvotes
John Adams
Used to live on the East side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
30 upvotes
portland_jonathan
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 13 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The job market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
30 upvotes
Amelia Wright
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Ezra Carter
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Stella Gray
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 2 years. Moved from New York for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Midtown schools are excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Isla T.
exactly what I was thinking
23 upvotes
Kennedy O.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
21 upvotes
Asher Rodriguez
glad someone said it
20 upvotes
Isabella E.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Nevaeh Rivera
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Benjamin Ramos
great question, following
18 upvotes
Leo Stewart
big facts right here
18 upvotes
Natalie Jimenez
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The weather is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
17 upvotes
Everly
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Paisley Hill
facts
12 upvotes
Miles Gray
great question, following
10 upvotes
Hannah
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Luca Wood
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Uptown area are decent. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Camila Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Silas Ramos
big facts right here
3 upvotes
Alexander Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is underrated in most areas.
2 upvotes
Dylan Walker
100%
1 upvotes
Luca Wood
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Boston about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
0 upvotes
Mason Reyes
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The public transit is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
0 upvotes
Samuel Turner
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in South area are challenging. Kids love it here.
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