Anyone else feel this way? My family moved here when I was a kid. Median household income is $58,859, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Has anyone dealt with this?
7 upvotes
14 Replies
portland_katherine
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
cincy_nicholas
yep
39 upvotes
Avery Anderson
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
atl_austin
I'm a chef and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is average and there's always something going on.
34 upvotes
Audrey Martin
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
33 upvotes
Ethan Castillo
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
33 upvotes
Connor Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 28, moved here 12 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Midtown and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. excellent 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$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.
31 upvotes
miami_emma
I've lived in Westside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Everett Mendoza
good to know, thanks
29 upvotes
Dominic Thompson
yeah no that's not right
29 upvotes
Roger S.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Joseph Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into running, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
accurate
8 upvotes
Isabella Bailey
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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