Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Household incomes average around $114,739 in Shelton. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Should I be concerned? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
25 upvotes
23 Replies
Isabelle Johnson
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Riley Rodriguez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from LA about 10 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is solid.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Arthur S.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
37 upvotes
Christian Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Cooper H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Luna J.
spot on
34 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
literally same
29 upvotes
Adeline T.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Zoe Ruiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 9 years. Moved from Denver for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are challenging. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Daniel J.
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Owen
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Violet H.
couldn't agree more
23 upvotes
Santiago
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 5 years. Moved from Nashville for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are pretty good. 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. Winters are long and cold. Homeless population growing downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Stella Turner
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 3 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are better than expected. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Brooks Price
same here
17 upvotes
Elizabeth Evans
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
David Nelson
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
James Martinez
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
Elizabeth
accurate
6 upvotes
John Brown
same here
4 upvotes
tucsonkid2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 27, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
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. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cultural scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for singles. excellent 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 Tampa, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
4 upvotes
andrew_papa
Totally agree!
4 upvotes
James F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 40, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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 a lot of cultural diversity
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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