Hi all, Been living here since 2012. Average temperature is around 47--F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Worth the trade-offs? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
8 upvotes
9 Replies
Jameson Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
loving_emilia26
haha yep pretty much
37 upvotes
Hazel Jimenez
Moved here from Miami about 2 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to food scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
31 upvotes
Madelyn Hughes
this is the way
28 upvotes
dcvibes2023
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
sdpapa2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 44, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The job market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. 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.
25 upvotes
Sophie Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Maya
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
22 upvotes
Madeline Campbell
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The cost of living is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
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