Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 23.0%, which is higher than I expected. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
5 upvotes
4 Replies
Albert J.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in government. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Ruby Cruz
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
desert_silas60
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely average and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
15 upvotes
Austin Kim
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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