Hey, The unemployment rate is 7.4%, which is concerning. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Megan G.
I've lived in Downtown for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Gianna Gomez
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much affordable but now it's average.
35 upvotes
Scarlett R.
bump
32 upvotes
Amy W.
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
23 upvotes
Melanie Taylor
Came here for family and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
22 upvotes
Benjamin Turner
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much pricey but now it's surprisingly good.
12 upvotes
Anna Jackson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$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.
8 upvotes
Ezekiel Hill
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
8 upvotes
Gabriel Castillo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 5 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
