Been living here since 2006. Rent is about $1,778/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. Thoughts?
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Isabelle
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much established but now it's solid.
39 upvotes
Brooklyn
100%
37 upvotes
Abigail Campbell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Highland) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. school system 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.
27 upvotes
Ezra A.
Moved here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to dating scene but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Willow N.
same here
18 upvotes
Bennett
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Uptown. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
quinn_local
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Jaxon L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 28, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
13 upvotes
Arianna Garcia
Totally agree!
10 upvotes
Colton Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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