Hi all, Been living here since 2009. Homes are going for about $432,800 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -Oakdale sits at 168.0 per 100K. With a population of 23,155, Oakdale is a small town. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
liam_guy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
Elizabeth Mendoza
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Francisco it's solid.
37 upvotes
Everett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 39, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Midtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K 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.
31 upvotes
Mason Patel
haha yep pretty much
31 upvotes
Zoe Myers
+1
30 upvotes
axel_soul
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Eli Collins
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Eastside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
29 upvotes
mountain_lucas33
lol so true
23 upvotes
Angel Phillips
lol so true
23 upvotes
Katherine
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Maple Ridge area are excellent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Adam J.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
15 upvotes
Everly Cox
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
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