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Billy R.
qa
Dog-friendly places in Portland?
There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I wrong here?
5 upvotes
29 Replies
Miles
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Hunter Carter
I work in manufacturing here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is improving. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Serenity Williams
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone about the same since then.
38 upvotes
Andrew Ortiz
been saying this for years
37 upvotes
Matthew K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
37 upvotes
Jeremiah Taylor
Bought a house here in 2019 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
35 upvotes
Lucy James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Lydia Cox
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
32 upvotes
Harper Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 35, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Oak Park, 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. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 35, moved here 8 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in North and Oak Park, 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. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
32 upvotes
Scott P.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
30 upvotes
Luke Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 52, moved here 6 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Highland and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Austin, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
29 upvotes
Peyton K.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Lily Turner
I'm a software engineer and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
26 upvotes
Leo Garcia
preach
26 upvotes
sd_christian
haha yep pretty much
23 upvotes
Adam
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Alexa Chavez
Can confirm, been here 15 years.
22 upvotes
Luca Ramirez
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
21 upvotes
Kelly M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 33, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
Background: I'm a chef, 33, moved here 2 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Old Town and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The dating scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
19 upvotes
Isla Flores
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Jonathan Bailey
+1
15 upvotes
Angel King
it depends on the neighborhood
14 upvotes
William Lee
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
8 upvotes
Leo Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 39, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Westside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
7 upvotes
Nolan H.
I've lived in Westside for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Isaiah Johnson
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The pet-friendliness is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Eli Rivera
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great seafood places. it was the best decision I ever made.
3 upvotes
Nora Lopez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
2 upvotes
Cooper Nguyen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes