Sky Valley quality of life -am I missing something?
Hi all, Just moved here 10 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 2,437 people. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
1 upvotes
11 Replies
Thomas M.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Highland area are average. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Ezra W.
I'm a HR manager and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Silas Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Nashville about 10 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
36 upvotes
Mason Rogers
Bought a house here in 2018 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
Sarah Morris
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Owen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
22 upvotes
Elena Thompson
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The walkability is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Parker Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
16 upvotes
Colton Green
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
16 upvotes
Ruby Wilson
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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