Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 12.8%, which is around average. Let me know your thoughts.
17 upvotes
4 Replies
John Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Avery
I've lived in Westside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The walkability scene is tough
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Dominic Anderson
Moved here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to safety but Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
portlandchef2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 14 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.