The city has invested a lot in new development. Worth the trade-offs? Appreciate any input.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Brooks W.
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Amelia Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
35 upvotes
Henry Lewis
this is the way
35 upvotes
Adrian Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 31, moved here 1 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. better than expected 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 Raleigh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
34 upvotes
Anna Scott
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Carson Hernandez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Austin it's better than expected.
23 upvotes
lalocal2021
Saving this thread
22 upvotes
Robert Long
great question, following
21 upvotes
Madelyn C.
I've lived in Downtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Delilah
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
Ava S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
11 upvotes
cameron_girl
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
9 upvotes
Connor Stewart
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.