Thinking about relocating to Clifton from Portland
First post here. With a population of 19,746, Clifton is a small town. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $234,200, which is actually reasonable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Genesis Kim
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Everly
same here
40 upvotes
Jack Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 55, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - 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 public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Raleigh, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K 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.
40 upvotes
Leo Ross
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
37 upvotes
Addison Flores
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 6 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into running, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
25 upvotes
Jordan J.
big facts right here
25 upvotes
Lydia Martinez
exactly what I was thinking
21 upvotes
delilah_native
I'm a physical therapist and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
19 upvotes
Hazel Howard
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
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