Curious what people think. We have two kids and Poverty rate is 26.4%, which is higher than I expected. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Thoughts? Cheers.
4 upvotes
4 Replies
Sarah Green
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Sunset) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
35 upvotes
Ryan Richardson
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The school system is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Ella W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 57, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Portland, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
13 upvotes
Mark S.
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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