Not sure if this has been asked before, but Median household income is $64,945, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
18 upvotes
23 Replies
Allison Scott
thanks for sharing
40 upvotes
wild_melanie97
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is excellent in most areas.
33 upvotes
Scarlett C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
33 upvotes
Emmett Turner
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
Madelyn King
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Aaliyah Alvarez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Adeline Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Old Town and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Tampa, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Silas Walker
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Carson K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 44, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Greenfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. surprisingly good 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
20 upvotes
omaha_cameron
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
18 upvotes
boston_cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Vivian Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Chicago it's hit or miss.
12 upvotes
Lillian Ramirez
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
Willow
I'm a chef and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Savannah A.
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Oliver Taylor
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
David Morgan
interesting, hadn't considered that
7 upvotes
Jordan Mitchell
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe 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.
7 upvotes
Austin Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Midtown) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
7 upvotes
Jordan Gray
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Easton Diaz
Moved here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to weather but Good luck with whatever you decide..
1 upvotes
logan_walker
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
All Countries
