Hello, I'm originally from Cincinnati and Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,606 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. What do you all think? Thanks for reading. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Ezra L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Janet P.
hmm interesting perspective
39 upvotes
Zoey Ramos
Came here for retirement and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
35 upvotes
Madelyn King
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
35 upvotes
Jack Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Riverside) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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.
31 upvotes
Elijah
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
30 upvotes
Willow Williams
following this thread
27 upvotes
Weston Perez
this is the way
26 upvotes
Ruby Gomez
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Shirley G.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Aurora Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 49, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
23 upvotes
Adeline S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
coastal_quinn90
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 50, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
8 upvotes
Hunter Murphy
same here
1 upvotes
Valentina Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Fairview) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
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