Anyone else feel this way? I've been here for 8 years and Rent is about $1,089/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
2 upvotes
15 Replies
Jonathan M.
noted, appreciate it
40 upvotes
Alice Howard
big facts right here
35 upvotes
Jesse G.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Hazel Thomas
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Ruby R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Thomas R.
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
happy_john40
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Boston. I've lived in West and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
24 upvotes
Isaiah Thomas
Bought a house here in 2021 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
19 upvotes
Jonathan Turner
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Mexican places. it exceeded my expectations.
16 upvotes
Greyson Ramirez
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor recreation is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Colton
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
9 upvotes
Cooper Turner
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Isabelle G.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
7 upvotes
Ella Brown
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are average. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
dallasrunner2025
I'm a social worker and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
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