Been meaning to ask this. Poverty rate is 10.4%, which is around average. With a population of 78,446, Pasco is a smaller city. Median household income is $81,130, which feels pretty solid for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
17 upvotes
26 Replies
Rylee Morales
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Emmett Torres
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
39 upvotes
mason_dude
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 6 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
36 upvotes
Jose Hall
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Minneapolis it's average.
36 upvotes
Eleanor Ward
interesting, hadn't considered that
34 upvotes
Theresa B.
spot on
31 upvotes
Everly Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Sunset and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
31 upvotes
Nevaeh Roberts
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Aubrey Green
underrated comment
28 upvotes
Eliana Morris
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
27 upvotes
Jordan Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 7 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. 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 photography, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Michael Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Declan Ramos
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Nova Rogers
This.
21 upvotes
Kayden James
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
20 upvotes
Peyton Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Highland) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
19 upvotes
indygirl2025
+1
18 upvotes
William
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
14 upvotes
Henry
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Jerry A.
honestly same experience here
12 upvotes
Joseph W.
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The food scene is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Isabelle Ortiz
bump
5 upvotes
Michael Y.
exactly what I was thinking
1 upvotes
jaxsoul2023
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
1 upvotes
Gabriel Hall
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
1 upvotes
Caroline Mitchell
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..