Curious what people think. I'm retired and The median home value here is around $265,200, which seems about average. Rent is about $1,389/month for a decent place. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. The weather takes some getting used to.
16 upvotes
29 Replies
Autumn Perez
Used to live on the Downtown side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
37 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Portland, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K 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.
37 upvotes
Alexander Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 9 years ago from LA. I've lived in Old Town and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
36 upvotes
Jameson Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
tucson_allison
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Nolan Ruiz
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The safety is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Valentina Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have rivers 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 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. Limited high-paying job options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Noah
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
26 upvotes
Quinn Hernandez
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 11 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 LA, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
jeremiah_mama
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2017 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are tough. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Evan Hill
accurate
25 upvotes
Elizabeth Davis
Came here for school and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Janet C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 3 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in The Heights and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
20 upvotes
Christopher L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Denver about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Allison M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 1 years. Moved from Charlotte for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Limited public transit options. Property taxes are high. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Santiago Martin
I've lived in Uptown for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
Anna Bailey
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Atlanta it's tough.
16 upvotes
Madeline L.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Meadowbrook. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Gabriella Richardson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (The Heights) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
9 upvotes
Luke Davis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is decent in most areas.
9 upvotes
Samuel K.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
6 upvotes
Barbara S.
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Barbara N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
John Evans
Moved here from Seattle about 9 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to dating scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Logan Torres
spot on
3 upvotes
Piper W.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Mexican places. it exceeded my expectations.
3 upvotes
Jacob S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
2 upvotes
Carolyn C.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
2 upvotes
Aubrey Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Denver for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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