Curious what people think. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. Any advice would be great. Appreciate any input.
14 upvotes
10 Replies
everett_heart
same here
40 upvotes
Oliver Lopez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
40 upvotes
Willie W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is underrated in most areas.
35 upvotes
Logan W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 42, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
19 upvotes
Sophia Garcia
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Mason Morales
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Austin H.
couldn't agree more
13 upvotes
Wesley Cruz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Vivian Howard
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (West) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
4 upvotes
Eliana
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 5 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.