Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm originally from Seattle and Poverty rate is 10.8%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Willow Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 25, moved here 2 years ago from Denver. I've lived in The Heights and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$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.
32 upvotes
Melanie Chavez
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Savannah Mitchell
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.
11 upvotes
Elena
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
oaklandmind2021
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is excellent in most areas.
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