Does this match your experience? Cheers. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
45 upvotes
4 Replies
sunny_nolan64
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
John J.
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The walkability scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Connor Ward
Used to live on the North side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
25 upvotes
Ella Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 32, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Greenfield and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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