Hi all, My partner and I are The unemployment rate is 1.3%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What are your go-to spots? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Ruby T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely challenging and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
38 upvotes
madeline_native
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
32 upvotes
Emma Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 2 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Asher Smith
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if weather matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Brooklyn G.
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Leonardo Cruz
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
28 upvotes
Kaylee Cooper
yep
21 upvotes
Evan M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 40, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for families. 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K 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.
12 upvotes
Alexander Roberts
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
12 upvotes
Bennett J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
11 upvotes
Willow Price
Saving this thread
8 upvotes
Mackenzie Wood
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Theodore Morgan
Moved here from San Diego about 7 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to weather but No regrets on my end..
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