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Skylar Howard living

The good and bad of living in Oregon

Curious what people think. Just moved here 13 months ago and The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,229 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes

14 Replies

Sebastian Young
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want food scene, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
39 upvotes
mountain_sophia27
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The weather scene is surprisingly good

The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer

Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Samantha G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.

**Employment:**
construction is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Lakewood schools are hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And school system can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Aiden K.
I've lived in East for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.

it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.

A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good healthcare facilities
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid

The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold

Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
32 upvotes
Isaac Castillo
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Noah Phillips
I work in marketing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Mia Flores
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Phoenix it's improving.
27 upvotes
Genesis H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Baltimore for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And weather can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
oaklandfan2025
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
21 upvotes
Brooks
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Lucy Rogers
Totally agree!
12 upvotes
Hailey Williams
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
8 upvotes
Elizabeth R.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
3 upvotes
Ellie T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Springfield for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.

**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Springfield schools are challenging. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
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