Hey folks, Been living here since 2011. Crime rate is something to consider -Molalla sits at 96.5 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
11 Replies
Roman Campbell
Came here for cost of living and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The dating scene is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
Mateo Stewart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 12 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Westside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. tough 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 Austin, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
35 upvotes
Kaylee Cook
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Connor Ward
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Willow Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Vincent A.
it depends on the neighborhood
27 upvotes
Harper Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Julia Nelson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
William Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
mountain_levi82
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
10 upvotes
Aurora Robinson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
