Alright, I'm originally from Portland and It's a a small town city with about 17,682 people. Poverty rate is 21.9%, which is higher than I expected. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The weather takes some getting used to. What are your go-to spots? Cheers.
14 upvotes
4 Replies
John G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 37, moved here 10 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Downtown and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Charlotte, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
20 upvotes
Mark A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Carter
not my experience at all
11 upvotes
Caroline Richardson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Atlanta it's better than expected.
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