Longtime lurker here, Rent is about $660/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Worth the trade-offs? Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
4 upvotes
5 Replies
Karen P.
big facts right here
25 upvotes
Nancy A.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The dating scene is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Aria C.
yep
23 upvotes
Naomi Lopez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 27, moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - 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 weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
16 upvotes
tulsadude2026
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. South schools are solid. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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