Anyone else feel this way? We're a young couple and Crime rate is something to consider -Olympia sits at 476.7 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great. Any help is appreciated. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
3 Replies
Robert A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 51, moved here 14 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Westside and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
36 upvotes
Nova Mitchell
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. No regrets on my end..
26 upvotes
Lillian Walker
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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