OK so My partner and I are Poverty rate is 4.8%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
19 Replies
Bryan W.
yeah no that's not right
40 upvotes
Bella
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in The Heights area are challenging. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
James H.
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Sunset area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
38 upvotes
Josiah R.
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The school system is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Mason Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 12 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is decent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Leo Baker
Came here for weather and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Cora
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Christian Sanders
as a local I can confirm
25 upvotes
Clara White
I'm a chef and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
20 upvotes
orlando_dominic
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Asian places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Sofia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Kayden Wright
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
12 upvotes
Mason Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Christian Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Highland. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
8 upvotes
Cora Long
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
8 upvotes
Nolan Rivera
big facts right here
8 upvotes
Jordan Thomas
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
7 upvotes
Elizabeth B.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone about the same since then.
3 upvotes
Bobby R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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