I grew up here but left for a while. You can expect to pay around $1,685 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 29,716 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Luna M.
I work in legal here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is average. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Jameson Hall
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 hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Uptown) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
38 upvotes
Levi Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 43, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
38 upvotes
Hailey Lopez
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
Dominic Jones
seconding this
35 upvotes
John H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
33 upvotes
Gabriel Hall
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 42, moved here 9 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The walkability situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
27 upvotes
Emily C.
nah I disagree
21 upvotes
Mason Garcia
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Mediterranean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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