Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $393,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is about average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
10 upvotes
17 Replies
Evelyn L.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Chicago it's excellent.
40 upvotes
Jordan Alvarez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in tech. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Nevaeh
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 53, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in North and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
35 upvotes
Everett Collins
+1
35 upvotes
Nathan Carter
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much wild but now it's decent.
35 upvotes
Emilia Brooks
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much manageable but now it's better than expected.
31 upvotes
Asher Ruiz
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
sacramentodude2025
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to New York it's excellent.
22 upvotes
Timothy M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Elena Chavez
same here
20 upvotes
Oliver
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Ariana Walker
bump
15 upvotes
Ruby Kim
it depends on the neighborhood
10 upvotes
Amelia Cook
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Michelle C.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The healthcare is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Nicholas G.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Maple Ridge. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in legal. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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