First post here. Median household income is $67,015, which feels about average for the area. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Julia Campbell
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
35 upvotes
Julian Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Sunset and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Nashville, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
27 upvotes
Riley Brooks
big facts right here
26 upvotes
Mackenzie Ramirez
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Lydia Taylor
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from San Francisco about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Mia Robinson
Bought a house here in 2022 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Savannah Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Uptown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
6 upvotes
Eugene E.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 54, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
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