Hello, Poverty rate is 7.7%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. What do you all think? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
26 upvotes
7 Replies
Luca Lee
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
oakland_liam
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want outdoor recreation, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Sebastian H.
following this thread
26 upvotes
Weston Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 56, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
24 upvotes
Jose Collins
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
local_scarlett95
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The cultural scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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