Been meaning to ask this. The median home value here is around $375,300, which se
25 upvotes
27 Replies
Elijah Allen
nah I disagree
39 upvotes
Lydia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Boston about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
39 upvotes
omaha_parker
noted, appreciate it
38 upvotes
Leonardo
nah I disagree
34 upvotes
Daniel Jones
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Aubrey Martin
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is tough in most areas.
30 upvotes
Gabriel
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
29 upvotes
Ian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 9 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
oaklandmind2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for weather. 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 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:**
construction is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. South 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
seattle_austin
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
26 upvotes
Jack Gonzalez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Avery G.
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much reasonable but now it's surprisingly good.
24 upvotes
Savannah Clark
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Olivia Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Willow Cook
this is the way
17 upvotes
Jeremiah Hughes
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Eleanor M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Boston about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Harper Flores
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
15 upvotes
Carter Bennett
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
15 upvotes
Charlotte T.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
14 upvotes
Declan Wood
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
Cameron
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
9 upvotes
Jackson
I work in tech here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Grace A.
Saving this thread
5 upvotes
Aurora
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Hazel Torres
Came here for school and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The weather is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.