So, The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 63--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a smaller city city with about 79,349 people. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Katherine
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Italian places. it was the best decision I ever made.
39 upvotes
Benjamin K.
This.
39 upvotes
Luke Alvarez
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Wyatt Mendoza
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Skylar Cooper
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
31 upvotes
William Chavez
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Korean places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
27 upvotes
Easton
100%
26 upvotes
Angel Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 3 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Ruby Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 4 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
16 upvotes
Willow Turner
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely challenging and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
15 upvotes
Zoey Gutierrez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is decent in most areas.
9 upvotes
Nevaeh
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
8 upvotes
Alexa C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Feel free to reach out with questions..
8 upvotes
John Castillo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Sunset and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Raleigh, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
7 upvotes
Colton W.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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