Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm retired and Median household income is $64,504, which feels about average for the area. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Madeline
honestly same experience here
39 upvotes
Matthew Evans
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Brielle Rogers
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Luke Bailey
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Daniel C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Midtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
24 upvotes
Elena Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 12 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Kennedy White
Moved here last year, no regrets.
22 upvotes
Ella Brown
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
21 upvotes
Kaylee Martinez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
17 upvotes
Elijah Kelly
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Alice K.
spot on
13 upvotes
Everly Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
11 upvotes
Grace Rogers
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Chicago it's challenging.
10 upvotes
Nolan Gray
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The traffic is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
