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Elena
best-worst
Best kept secrets of Orchards, WA
OK so Household incomes average around $96,893 in Orchards.
18 upvotes
11 Replies
Zoey Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Miles Hernandez
Moved here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to public transit but Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
abigail_kid
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Willow Baker
100%
23 upvotes
Grace Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Limited shopping 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.
21 upvotes
Ariana Sanchez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Janice P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a electrician, 57, moved here 3 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Pine Hills and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. better than expected 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 San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
10 upvotes
Victoria C.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
9 upvotes
Julian B.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Grace Lewis
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Oliver Stewart
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
0 upvotes