Curious what people think. I've been here for 1 years and The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Poverty rate is 4.2%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Audrey Johnson
lol so true
39 upvotes
Andrew Flores
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to LA it's improving.
35 upvotes
Paisley R.
spot on
30 upvotes
Ryan M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
30 upvotes
Carter Baker
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
jaxmama2024
Used to live on the South side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
26 upvotes
Bennett Cruz
Moved here from Charlotte about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Easton H.
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Richard T.
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Alexa Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Aaron Mendoza
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Josiah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Austin H.
nah I disagree
4 upvotes
Maya Campbell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Feel free to reach out with questions..
3 upvotes
Peyton King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 3 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2018 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is improving - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are improving. 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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