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Kennedy Kim best-worst

Biggest downsides of living in Union?

My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 7.3%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $199,100 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes

6 Replies

Roman Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from San Diego for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And community vibe can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Madelyn S.
yeah no that's not right
33 upvotes
Mia Robinson
I'm a physical therapist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Violet Nelson
bump
15 upvotes
Nora
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.

**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Aiden Brown
hmm interesting perspective
4 upvotes
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