First post here. Just moved here 11 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 2,959 people. Average temperature is around 64--F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $100,200 on average. Poverty rate is 17.2%, which is higher than I expected. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
8 upvotes
12 Replies
Lucas Wright
following this thread
39 upvotes
Zoe L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 13 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Thomas Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Skylar Walker
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 Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Westside schools are excellent. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Nevaeh Castillo
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 pretty good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
35 upvotes
Jayden Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
32 upvotes
Mason Torres
Moved here from Baltimore about 1 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to weather but Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Joseph Taylor
seconding this
30 upvotes
ella_mama
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Olivia C.
100%
20 upvotes
orlandofan2023
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Tampa about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Leonardo Foster
Bought a house here in 2022 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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