OK so I'm retired and Rent is about $952/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. You can expect to pay around $952 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
13 Replies
Wesley Ramirez
following this thread
35 upvotes
david_native
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
29 upvotes
Melanie Reed
preach
28 upvotes
Ruby Garcia
same here
26 upvotes
Isaiah Watson
Used to live on the South side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
24 upvotes
Everett Wright
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Jace Phillips
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
22 upvotes
brooks_girl
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Nora Morris
I've lived in Midtown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Carol L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Atlanta about 6 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Claire Patel
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Victoria H.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
7 upvotes
Ezra D.
I work in government here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is decent. Happy to answer more specific questions..