Been meaning to ask this. Homes are going for about $320,300 on average. Poverty rate is 6.7%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $67,482, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $320,300, which seems about average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
14 upvotes
16 Replies
Theodore Lewis
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Jack G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Megan R.
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Valentina Flores
same here
29 upvotes
Ethan T.
same here
20 upvotes
Claire Castillo
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Denver it's excellent.
19 upvotes
Paisley
seconding this
19 upvotes
Jessica K.
bump
19 upvotes
Ezekiel A.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
18 upvotes
Maya P.
accurate
17 upvotes
Quinn C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Eastside and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Seattle, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
17 upvotes
Brielle
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Kai Brooks
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Lakewood area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Sarah Martin
seconding this
12 upvotes
Levi Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Chicago it's underrated.
8 upvotes
Hunter
I work in hospitality here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is tough. Hope this helps!.
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