Hi all, I'm a college student here and Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Poverty rate is 0.8%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $594,200, which is pretty steep. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Autumn Cox
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Lucy Martinez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Lori C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The public transit situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Denver, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
25 upvotes
Lucas Turner
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Zoe Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Atlanta about 1 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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