Anyone else feel this way? I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,508 for rent here. Rent is about $1,508/month for a decent place. With a population of 113K, Gresham is a mid-size city. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
44 upvotes
24 Replies
David M.
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much growing but now it's surprisingly good.
39 upvotes
Brooklyn Stewart
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. pet-friendliness used to be much affordable but now it's pretty good.
39 upvotes
Allison Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from LA about 5 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Nora Torres
exactly what I was thinking
37 upvotes
Samuel E.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Luca Watson
good to know, thanks
34 upvotes
Robert R.
preach
33 upvotes
Savannah Wright
not my experience at all
33 upvotes
Jeremiah B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
quinn_life
I work in retail here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is average. Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Carson Miller
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Greenfield area are excellent. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
Landon Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Ezra C.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
17 upvotes
Andrew
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Aurora Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 5 years. Moved from Raleigh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are average. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Ian Ward
100%
13 upvotes
desert_everly48
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely decent and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
13 upvotes
Owen Campbell
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is challenging in most areas.
12 upvotes
Robert Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 13 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
kayden_rider
I've lived in Eastside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- The weather scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Lucy Jimenez
Saving this thread
6 upvotes
Camila Harris
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Ella Hill
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.