I'm a 25-year-old pharmacist and Crime rate is something to consider -Waverly sits at 431.9 per 100K. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What do you all think? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
9 Replies
Brooks Gonzalez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is solid in most areas.
35 upvotes
Jacob
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 30, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Downtown and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The job market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
19 upvotes
Jordan Wilson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 54, moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Charlotte, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
14 upvotes
Evelyn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Sunset) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
11 upvotes
Aubrey
yep
10 upvotes
Elizabeth Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Katherine Brooks
literally same
8 upvotes
Levi Martin
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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