Alright, We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 6.8%, which is concerning. You can expect to pay around $1,591 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? Thanks in advance! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Adrian P.
haha yep pretty much
38 upvotes
Victoria Moore
great question, following
38 upvotes
Elijah Martinez
literally same
33 upvotes
Maya Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 27, moved here 1 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Highland and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. 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 Denver, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Violet Garcia
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Ava C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
20 upvotes
Isaac R.
literally same
14 upvotes
Nova T.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Maple Ridge area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Cooper C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
Benjamin L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 26, moved here 15 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. decent 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 Denver, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
4 upvotes
Leo Murphy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 30, moved here 1 years ago from LA. I've lived in Greenfield and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 LA, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.