Anyone else feel this way? I'm a remote worker and Median household income is $47,439, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Am I wrong here? TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
23 upvotes
19 Replies
Sharon E.
big facts right here
39 upvotes
Gabriella Jimenez
lol so true
38 upvotes
Jonathan Brooks
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 43, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Midtown, 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 new development happening
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Francisco, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
38 upvotes
Easton
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 32, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Portland, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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
Caroline Collins
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
32 upvotes
Carol R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Amelia W.
seconding this
28 upvotes
clara_rider
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The traffic is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Cooper Martin
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Savannah Roberts
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
Maverick Thomas
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone about the same since then.
22 upvotes
Lucas C.
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. housing market used to be much wild but now it's excellent.
18 upvotes
Olivia Bailey
Totally agree!
16 upvotes
Charlotte T.
nah I disagree
16 upvotes
Ellie Perez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to San Diego it's underrated.
14 upvotes
Aurora P.
Moved here from Charlotte about 5 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Ava Ruiz
big facts right here
5 upvotes
miamirunner2022
lol so true
1 upvotes
Sophie Carter
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Indian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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