I'm a college student here and The median home value here is around $78,100, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $78,100 on average. Household incomes average around $50,417 in Morse. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Is this normal for Morse? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
10 Replies
Paisley Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Chicago about 1 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Beverly P.
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.
34 upvotes
Avery King
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
28 upvotes
Leah Kim
Totally agree!
15 upvotes
sunny_nolan64
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Allison A.
good to know, thanks
13 upvotes
Avery Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 9 years. Moved from Seattle for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 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:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are challenging. 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. Winters are long and cold. Road conditions need improvement. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Xavier T.
preach
5 upvotes
Asher Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 14 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for couples. challenging 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.