First post here. We're a young couple and Poverty rate is 22.4%, which is higher than I expected. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Would love some local perspective. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
3 upvotes
6 Replies
portlanddude2023
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Portland it's decent.
40 upvotes
Nicholas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 42, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
Susan C.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
38 upvotes
Zoe R.
wish I knew this sooner
22 upvotes
Gabriella Sanchez
I've lived in South for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- The safety scene is decent
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Ellie Phillips
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 4 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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