I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 37,749 people. Rent is about $1,646/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $410,600 on average. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $410,600, which is pretty steep. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
12 upvotes
14 Replies
Eric D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 53, moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Pine Hills and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The healthcare situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for singles. challenging 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 Charlotte, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
39 upvotes
Isabella
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely decent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
38 upvotes
Caroline
noted, appreciate it
35 upvotes
Sophia R.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The traffic is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Adeline Jimenez
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
27 upvotes
Cameron
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 29, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
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. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Austin, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
23 upvotes
Eugene F.
this is the way
20 upvotes
Luna White
accurate
16 upvotes
Nora C.
seconding this
15 upvotes
Isabella K.
This.
10 upvotes
Owen Richardson
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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