Born and raised Portland. Never left. I don't understand why more people don't talk about Irvington.
A friend just bought in Irvington for K and I'm not sure if that was smart. Median income here is around which {inc_feel}.
What I like:
- Good airport
- Pet-friendly city
- Strong arts and culture scene
What I don't:
- Chain restaurants everywhere
- Tourist crowds
- Not much to do late at night
The parks system here is underrated. Public transit is fine if you live near a line - you'll want a car.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
30 upvotes
18 Replies
Aria Jones
Parent of two in Sellwood. Schools are pretty good here. The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
48 upvotes
Julian Lewis
I've been in Pearl District for 7 years and The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.
47 upvotes
Henry Reed
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single mom in Foster-Powell. Been here since 2017. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
Neighborhood-wise, Foster-Powell has really shifted in the past few years. Irvington is the up-and-coming spot right now. Pearl District is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for government: pretty good. For logistics: up-and-coming.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
46 upvotes
Brooklyn
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in Cully. Been here since 2022. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
Neighborhood-wise, Cully has really evolved in the past few years. Mississippi is the up-and-coming spot right now. Kenton is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for nonprofit: hit or miss. For retail: up-and-coming.
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
Happy to answer questions.
45 upvotes
Reagan Lopez
Laurelhurst local here. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
41 upvotes
Donald L.
I walk my dog through St. Johns every day and Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The vibe has really evolved in the past couple years.
37 upvotes
Elizabeth Jones
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
St. Johns vs Sellwood: completely different vibes. St. Johns is more pretty good with artists and creative types. Sellwood is pricey and better for young professionals.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in St. Johns. In Sellwood you can find stuff for /mo.
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The parks system here is underrated.
35 upvotes
Isabelle Adams
Moved here from Phoenix and I'd say The parks system here is underrated.. The transit here is underrated compared to what I'm used to.
34 upvotes
Lily Flores
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a young professional in Cully. Been here since 2020. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
Neighborhood-wise, Cully has really evolved in the past few years. Laurelhurst is the up-and-coming spot right now. Woodstock is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: excellent. For real estate: affordable.
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.
Good luck!
24 upvotes
charlotte_jace
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Cully, Montavilla, and currently in Division. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Cully: /mo for a 1-bed
- Montavilla: about /mo
- Division: /mo but hit or miss
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks.
23 upvotes
Peyton Green
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a remote worker in Irvington. Been here since 2021. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
Neighborhood-wise, Irvington has really evolved in the past few years. Pearl District is the up-and-coming spot right now. Woodstock is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for healthcare: solid. For healthcare: up-and-coming.
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.
Happy to answer questions.
20 upvotes
Allison Chavez
Couldn't have said it better.
17 upvotes
Ariana
This right here.
16 upvotes
Silas
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The city has changed a lot.
8 upvotes
Natalie Bailey
Great question. Here's my honest take after 9 years:
The good:
- Good parks and trails
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Good healthcare options
The not-so-good:
- Traffic is getting worse
- Property taxes
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. I'd say for families, Portland is solid.
5 upvotes
Aria Kim
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive Portland guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Sellwood: walkable, great restaurants, young crowd
- Mississippi: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Division: best value in the city
- St. Johns: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: solid compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. Portland is quiet but it's not for everyone. If you value nature over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Omaha.
5 upvotes
river_adam46
Can confirm.
4 upvotes
Wyatt J.
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Portland is hit or miss. The parks system here is underrated..
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