Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Angel H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Old Town. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Reagan B.
facts
22 upvotes
Ryan G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.