I'm a college student here and Median household income is $65,395, which feels about average for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Should I be concerned? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
2 upvotes
11 Replies
Jordan Mitchell
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Jameson Ross
same here
30 upvotes
Brooklyn H.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Aria Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 33, moved here 10 years ago from New York. I've lived in West and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
26 upvotes
Colton Jones
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Catherine M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Riverside) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
13 upvotes
Xavier Williams
wish I knew this sooner
8 upvotes
Zoey
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
5 upvotes
Jordan Johnson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Seattle it's surprisingly good.
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