Curious what people think. I'm retired and With a population of 97,502, Beaverton is a smaller city. Household incomes average around $94,279 in Beaverton. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
23 upvotes
2 Replies
Declan Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 31, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Downtown, 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 shopping options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. average 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 LA, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
38 upvotes
Maverick P.
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.