Hey everyone, I've been here for 15 years and Rent is about $1,916/month for a decent place. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What do you all think? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
kayden_walker
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.
39 upvotes
Eleanor M.
I've lived in The Heights for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Sara J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Raleigh it's decent.
19 upvotes
Joseph Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 55, moved here 12 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
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