Curious what people think. Military spouse here. Poverty rate is 17.0%, which is higher than I expected. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I wrong here? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
2 Replies
Grayson Johnson
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
22 upvotes
Jeremiah O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 57, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.