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Elena Edwards living

Why I chose Alcoa over bigger cities

Longtime lurker here, My partner and I are Household incomes average around $60,049 in Alcoa. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
3 upvotes

2 Replies

Isaac Rodriguez
This.
6 upvotes
Nathan Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a pharmacist, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. challenging 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 Portland, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
4 upvotes
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