Hello, Median household income is $120,994, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 8,957 people. You can expect to pay around $2,374 for rent here. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Orting? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Jace Phillips
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
kc_hannah
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 15 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Miles Clark
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 56, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Zoe Rivera
Moved here last year, no regrets.
26 upvotes
Owen Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 28, moved here 10 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Springfield and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K 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.
25 upvotes
James Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Chicago for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Adeline Edwards
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if public transit matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Grayson Lee
+1
2 upvotes
Audrey T.
it depends on the neighborhood
2 upvotes
William
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
All Countries
