Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $543,100 on average. It's a a smaller city city with about 97,502 people. Household incomes average around $94,279 in Beaverton. Crime rate is something to consider -Beaverton sits at 216.7 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I overthinking this? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
17 Replies
Emily Edwards
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 14 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
consulting is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Genesis Cruz
hard disagree but ok
40 upvotes
Samuel H.
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Paisley Miller
literally same
37 upvotes
Helen C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 37, moved here 9 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K 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.
36 upvotes
dc_genesis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 11 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. manufacturing 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Road conditions need improvement. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Hazel Bennett
I'm a social worker and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Isla Miller
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are excellent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
Nicholas Smith
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
15 upvotes
Owen Thomas
I've lived in Uptown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Thomas Lee
Public transit is tough here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
12 upvotes
minneapolis_isabella
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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. Downtown schools are decent. 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. Property taxes are high. Far from beaches/mountains. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Maverick Perez
couldn't agree more
8 upvotes
Brielle Bailey
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is tough in most areas.
7 upvotes
Hudson
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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
Nathan Price
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's average.