Alright, I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $890 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation? Cheers. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Hannah Price
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 9 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
William Gomez
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The food scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Danielle T.
great question, following
30 upvotes
Adam
This.
30 upvotes
Sophia Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in finance. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
John Wood
underrated comment
25 upvotes
Mackenzie Campbell
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in South area are excellent. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Emma Foster
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Stella Gonzalez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Katherine
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Pine Hills side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
13 upvotes
Nora Collins
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 13 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Leo Murphy
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
austin_joseph
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
6 upvotes
Madelyn Smith
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
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