Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $105,395, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $1,465/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thanks for reading.
27 upvotes
13 Replies
Kayden Cruz
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Weston
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 15 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
portland_carson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 7 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Greenfield and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
32 upvotes
Cooper Gomez
bump
30 upvotes
Victoria Murphy
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Jacob Hill
Moved here last year, no regrets.
25 upvotes
Gabriel G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is challenging in most areas.
24 upvotes
Zoey
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good airport with direct flights
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Miami, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
18 upvotes
Eli T.
this is the way
15 upvotes
Elena Howard
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
6 upvotes
isabella_mind
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 40, moved here 2 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for remote workers. hit or miss 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$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.
5 upvotes
local_miles78
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Violet Torres
I've lived in Old Town for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
- The food scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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