Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Mill Creek East sits at 126.5 per 100K. Median household income is $183,466, which feels pretty solid for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I overthinking this? Cheers.
8 upvotes
18 Replies
Sarah B.
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Jose C.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The safety is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Scarlett Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Julian James
thanks for sharing
37 upvotes
Riley Parker
+1
36 upvotes
Jayden Mitchell
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
Theodore
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
33 upvotes
Brooks Parker
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Miles
This.
26 upvotes
Ruby Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 9 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Maverick A.
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
23 upvotes
Luke Torres
facts
13 upvotes
tulsa_lucas
This.
12 upvotes
Willow Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
10 upvotes
Declan Reyes
I've been living here for 11 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The school system is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Madelyn Flores
I've lived in Old Town for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The healthcare scene is decent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Theodore Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 27, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
8 upvotes
Mackenzie Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Austin about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. No regrets on my end..
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