OK so I'm retired and It's a a small town city with about 13,406 people. Median household income is $54,390, which feels on the lower side for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Anyone in a similar situation? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Mary R.
thanks for sharing
38 upvotes
Brooks R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want weather, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
37 upvotes
Carter Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
Logan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Portland about 10 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Santiago Scott
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
29 upvotes
Lauren G.
I've lived in Westside for about 3 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 San Francisco, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Close to major attractions
- The safety scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Everly Foster
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
Oliver Rogers
underrated comment
19 upvotes
Bruce G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Peyton Ortiz
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Bennett Edwards
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
15 upvotes
Anna Mitchell
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The job market is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Evelyn Moore
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Maple Ridge area are underrated. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Allison
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Jordan J.
Moved here from Seattle about 5 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to safety but Hope this helps!.
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