Random thought, My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $184,900 on average. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thoughts? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
8 Replies
Charlotte Wright
Moved here from Portland about 9 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to safety but Definitely worth checking out..
39 upvotes
Nevaeh W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 11 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in West and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
35 upvotes
Avery Harris
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much established but now it's challenging.
30 upvotes
Parker Nelson
Moved here from Boston about 5 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to walkability but Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Hunter Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 29, moved here 7 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Eastside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
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. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The housing market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
20 upvotes
Jayden Lee
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
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