Hey, Rent is about $468/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $178,800 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Mackenzie Kim
Moved here from Boston about 8 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to healthcare but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Addison
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
34 upvotes
Nora Robinson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in West. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Robert Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 4 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in North and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Baltimore, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
23 upvotes
Mason Flores
I've lived in Greenfield for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
James Evans
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
15 upvotes
Peyton Gutierrez
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The school system is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Isaac Ross
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The weather is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
omaha_cameron
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 13 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 excellent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.