First post here. I'm a remote worker and Crime rate is something to consider -Selma sits at 157.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 69--F, so the weather is moderate. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
nathan_vibes
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
37 upvotes
Clara L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
engineering is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. 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. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
mountain_levi82
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Nicholas M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is solid in most areas.
28 upvotes
Jose Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for school. 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 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is average - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are improving. 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Ellie Brown
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
26 upvotes
Connor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
25 upvotes
Michael Diaz
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
25 upvotes
Sadie Nelson
I've lived in Old Town for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Eva Watson
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
aurora_chef
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Ezra Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 35, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited shopping options
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
14 upvotes
oaklandlocal2026
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Nicholas Miller
Came here for work and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The school system is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
6 upvotes
native_evan65
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is decent in most areas.
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