Random thought, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and The median home value here is around $319,000, which seems about average. You can expect to pay around $1,823 for rent here. Rent is about $1,823/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
27 upvotes
21 Replies
Matthew Allen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (North) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
38 upvotes
Quinn H.
I work in marketing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Feel free to reach out with questions..
38 upvotes
Matthew S.
honestly same experience here
37 upvotes
Xavier Jones
literally same
33 upvotes
Robert W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 39, moved here 7 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Eastside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The public transit situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
31 upvotes
Allison Collins
I'm a pharmacist and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is average and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Everett
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
25 upvotes
Andrew
yep
17 upvotes
kcsoul2023
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Alice
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Houston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Hope this helps!.
14 upvotes
Bella Martinez
I've lived in East for about 6 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 Portland, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The safety scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Ruby Harris
+1
13 upvotes
Helen W.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Portland it's better than expected.
13 upvotes
Willow L.
thanks for sharing
11 upvotes
Declan Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 1 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, 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.
11 upvotes
Ariana K.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
10 upvotes
Kayden R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Aurora Rivera
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Carter Wilson
literally same
6 upvotes
Nolan C.
this is the way
3 upvotes
jacob_mama
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Cedar Grove area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
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