So, My partner and I are Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
David Sanchez
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great sushi places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
39 upvotes
Amelia P.
this is the way
38 upvotes
Sebastian M.
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is excellent. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Lillian R.
Moved here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to walkability but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Caleb Edwards
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 3 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to job market but Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Gabriella Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
30 upvotes
Katherine
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 43, moved here 12 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Pine Hills and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. better than expected 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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
Kennedy Rodriguez
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are solid. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Emma Turner
I've lived in South for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- The housing market scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Audrey Johnson
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
17 upvotes
Declan Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 14 years. Moved from San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Pine Hills schools are surprisingly 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Colton Evans
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is average and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Jackson
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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