I'm a college student here and With a population of 34,850, University Place is a smaller city. Homes are going for about $578,100 on average. Crime rate is something to consider -University Place sits at 258.2 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
27 upvotes
11 Replies
Ariana Foster
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in North area are challenging. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Terry N.
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Nathan Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 25, moved here 15 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K 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.
31 upvotes
Xavier H.
I've lived in Downtown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- The nightlife scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's pretty good.
15 upvotes
oakland_caroline
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is decent in most areas.
13 upvotes
Aubrey
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
Lillian C.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
7 upvotes
Sadie Phillips
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Gabriella R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited shopping options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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