Hey folks, I'm single, late 20s, and Median household income is $49,240, which feels on the lower side for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Appreciate any input. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Miles
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 51, moved here 8 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Sunset and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
36 upvotes
Maya Jimenez
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
28 upvotes
Leah
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
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