Random thought, We're a young couple and You can expect to pay around $1,141 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider — Spokane sits at 689.6 per 100K. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
22 upvotes
42 Replies
Lucas
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
38 upvotes
Aiden
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 4 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Sarah Morgan
Came here for work and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The walkability is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
37 upvotes
Eleanor P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from San Francisco about 10 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Cameron J.
hard disagree but ok
34 upvotes
Nicholas Parker
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
cincydude2025
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Charlotte A.
hmm interesting perspective
32 upvotes
Brooklyn W.
nah I disagree
28 upvotes
Eli W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from San Francisco about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Emily Taylor
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
dc_alexander
I work in consulting here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Mateo Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 7 years. Moved from Boston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Lakewood 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Valentina
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 15 years. Moved from Seattle for a fresh start. 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 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:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are average. 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 safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Madeline Martinez
Bought a house here in 2016 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
23 upvotes
scarlett_kid
Totally agree!
23 upvotes
Mateo W.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The outdoor recreation is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Riley O.
seconding this
21 upvotes
Oliver Rodriguez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 39, moved here 14 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Dallas, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
21 upvotes
Josiah T.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
20 upvotes
Nicholas T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Maya James
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Claire King
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Chicago it's average.
18 upvotes
Bennett Anderson
been saying this for years
16 upvotes
Luke Scott
bump
15 upvotes
Brooks R.
Saving this thread
12 upvotes
Isabelle T.
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
12 upvotes
Kaylee Evans
I'm a chef and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Claire Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 51, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in West and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
11 upvotes
Ann W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Denver it's solid.
8 upvotes
Kaylee Hall
I've lived in Fairview for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Adam D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 8 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
5 upvotes
Ryan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The dating scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. solid 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
5 upvotes
Asher Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Sarah Chavez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 11 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
3 upvotes
Kayden H.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in retail. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Samuel Walker
same here
3 upvotes
Owen Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Mackenzie Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
Noah O.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
All Countries
