Curious what people think. Military spouse here. It's a a small town city with about 10,168 people. Household incomes average around $83,996 in Molalla. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Is this normal for Molalla? Cheers. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
4 Replies
Adeline Allen
I've lived in West for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
John J.
as a local I can confirm
14 upvotes
Alexander Ortiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely excellent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Midtown) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Limited shopping options.
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.
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