So, Median household income is $140,180, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I overthinking this? The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
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Robert O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 15 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Dallas, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.