Curious what people think. We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $125,058 in Gorham. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Does this match your experience? The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Samantha L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
37 upvotes
Anna Ross
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
Mia Ross
yep
34 upvotes
cincygirl2021
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
portlandnative2024
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in government. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Adeline Lopez
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
local_john82
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 49, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in South and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The cultural scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
23 upvotes
Jose Allen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Willow
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Sophia G.
I work in education here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
Adrian Martinez
literally same
12 upvotes
Riley Adams
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The walkability is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Levi Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Tampa about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Bobby T.
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great farm-to-table places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
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