OK so I've been here for 11 years and Median household income is $72,833, which feels about average for the area. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
28 upvotes
6 Replies
portland_josiah
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 32, moved here 9 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Greenfield and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Tampa, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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
oaklandgirl2021
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Leo
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Noah S.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
Naomi Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 45, moved here 1 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
8 upvotes
Elijah King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 58, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 Chicago, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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