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Charlotte Mendoza
moving
Portland vs Tampa for a young professional
Can we talk about What am I missing here?
12 upvotes
51 Replies
Leah Gray
Mississippi local here. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
49 upvotes
Hannah Young
I'd highly recommend checking out Cully. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Plus the food options around there are solid.
49 upvotes
Ashley B.
I walk my dog through Alberta Arts every day and The parks system here is underrated.. The vibe has really shifted in the past couple years.
48 upvotes
Mia Lopez
This right here.
47 upvotes
philly_jack
Worked in education here for 3 years. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. The market is great right now if you're in that field.
45 upvotes
Natalie Gray
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):
- Hawthorne: safest area, good schools
- Woodstock: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Montavilla: hidden gem, locals only know
- Kenton: suburban feel, big yards
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: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Portland is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
DM me if you want more details.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Hawthorne: safest area, good schools
- Woodstock: affordable with character
Tier 2 (best value):
- Montavilla: hidden gem, locals only know
- Kenton: suburban feel, big yards
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: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Portland is affordable but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Austin.
DM me if you want more details.
45 upvotes
Logan C.
Needed to hear this.
44 upvotes
Henry
I'd highly recommend checking out Irvington. The community in {hood} is really tight-knit.. Plus the food options around there are excellent.
44 upvotes
Jose Scott
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Hawthorne, Laurelhurst, and currently in Cully. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Hawthorne: /mo for a 3-bed
- Laurelhurst: about /mo
- Cully: /mo but great
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks.
I've lived in Hawthorne, Laurelhurst, and currently in Cully. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Hawthorne: /mo for a 3-bed
- Laurelhurst: about /mo
- Cully: /mo but great
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks.
43 upvotes
thomas_heart
Weekend warrior here - Portland is hit or miss for golfing. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.
42 upvotes
Ian K.
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in Portland is pretty good. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
38 upvotes
Leo Adams
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):
- Woodstock: safest area, good schools
- Sunnyside: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Montavilla: hidden gem, locals only know
- Hawthorne: good schools, safe streets
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: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Portland is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider LA.
Good luck!
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Woodstock: safest area, good schools
- Sunnyside: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Montavilla: hidden gem, locals only know
- Hawthorne: good schools, safe streets
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: improving compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. Portland is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider LA.
Good luck!
37 upvotes
Joseph Baker
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to St. Johns from Tampa about 12 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out St. Johns and Irvington for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for retirees.
I moved to St. Johns from Tampa about 12 years ago. Initially it felt a bit lonely. But after settling in, Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out St. Johns and Irvington for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for retirees.
37 upvotes
Ruby Martin
Interesting take.
37 upvotes
Maya Gutierrez
I've lived in both Foster-Powell and Cully. Completely different vibes. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable..
37 upvotes
Declan
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Woodstock from Boston about 9 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Woodstock and Mississippi for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for singles.
I moved to Woodstock from Boston about 9 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Woodstock and Mississippi for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for singles.
37 upvotes
Leo Clark
Moved here from San Diego and I'd say I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. The traffic here is hit or miss compared to what I'm used to.
37 upvotes
Angel
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):
- Kenton: best food in the city
- Sunnyside: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Hawthorne: hidden gem, locals only know
- Mississippi: suburban feel, big yards
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: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Portland is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Kenton: best food in the city
- Sunnyside: up-and-coming, artsy vibe
Tier 2 (best value):
- Hawthorne: hidden gem, locals only know
- Mississippi: suburban feel, big yards
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: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. Portland is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Portland.
36 upvotes
Lillian Young
Just to add another data point - we moved from Kansas City about 2 years ago. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. No regrets so far.
35 upvotes
Nancy K.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Hawthorne from Boston about 5 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Hawthorne and Kenton for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Overall I'd give Portland a 8/10 for students.
I moved to Hawthorne from Boston about 5 years ago. Initially everything felt unfamiliar. But after settling in, The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Hawthorne and Kenton for housing
- Try the farmers market on Saturday mornings
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was nightlife. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Overall I'd give Portland a 8/10 for students.
35 upvotes
Peyton
I'd highly recommend checking out Pearl District. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Plus the food options around there are improving.
32 upvotes
Amelia Mitchell
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If career growth matters most, then yeah Portland is great. But if you need beach access, might want to look at Kenton instead.
29 upvotes
Luca Turner
Same experience here.
28 upvotes
Jeremy C.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Portland.
Background: 50, retiree, moved from Tampa 2 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Mississippi.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Mississippi because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Hawthorne - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Tampa but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 14 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Portland people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For retirees, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
Background: 50, retiree, moved from Tampa 2 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Mississippi.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Mississippi because close to work. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Hawthorne - it's lively and the value is better.
**Work:**
nonprofit jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Tampa but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 14 months were tough. Then I found my people through a board game night. Now I have a solid group. Portland people are genuine once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: reasonable
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: plenty to do on weekends
**Would I move here again?**
I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. For retirees, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
28 upvotes
Ezra
My experience has been different actually. I found that Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Maybe it depends on which part of Portland you're in.
26 upvotes
Christian Gray
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):
- St. Johns: best food in the city
- Woodstock: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Kenton: great community feel
- Alberta Arts: good schools, safe streets
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:**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Portland is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider St. Louis.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- St. Johns: best food in the city
- Woodstock: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Kenton: great community feel
- Alberta Arts: good schools, safe streets
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:**
Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Portland is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider St. Louis.
26 upvotes
Joyce R.
Lol so true.
25 upvotes
Nova Smith
I had the opposite experience.
25 upvotes
Benjamin Phillips
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Laurelhurst from Denver about 10 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, The parks system here is underrated..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Laurelhurst and Alberta Arts for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was food scene. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Overall I'd give Portland a 9/10 for young professionals.
I moved to Laurelhurst from Denver about 10 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, The parks system here is underrated..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Laurelhurst and Alberta Arts for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Check out the local brewery scene
The biggest adjustment was food scene. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. Overall I'd give Portland a 9/10 for young professionals.
23 upvotes
Adeline Cruz
My neighbor would disagree lol.
23 upvotes
Maverick
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Montavilla, Hawthorne, and currently in Cully. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Montavilla: /mo for a 2-bed
- Hawthorne: about /mo
- Cully: /mo but improving
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks.
I've lived in Montavilla, Hawthorne, and currently in Cully. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Montavilla: /mo for a 2-bed
- Hawthorne: about /mo
- Cully: /mo but improving
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks.
23 upvotes
Eliana Carter
It's gotten worse recently.
22 upvotes
Bella Clark
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a single woman in St. Johns. Been here since 2023. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
Neighborhood-wise, St. Johns has really transformed in the past few years. Montavilla is the up-and-coming spot right now. Laurelhurst is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: great. For construction: established.
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
I'm a single woman in St. Johns. Been here since 2023. The {industry} scene here is really picking up..
Neighborhood-wise, St. Johns has really transformed in the past few years. Montavilla is the up-and-coming spot right now. Laurelhurst is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: great. For construction: established.
I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.
19 upvotes
Olivia
Lol so true.
19 upvotes
Julia Ruiz
Totally agree.
17 upvotes
Ariana
We pay /mo in Laurelhurst for a 1-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
12 upvotes
Nora Lopez
Montavilla local here. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. If you need specific recommendations feel free to ask.
12 upvotes
Quinn Foster
As someone who lives in Cully, I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. That said, parking can be a real pain.
12 upvotes
mia_local
Night shift worker - Portland at 3am is hit or miss. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}..
10 upvotes
Camila Moore
I walk my dog through St. Johns every day and The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. The vibe has really changed in the past couple years.
10 upvotes
Barbara M.
Weekend warrior here - Portland is decent for climbing. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.
9 upvotes
Owen
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Montavilla from Seattle about 3 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Montavilla and Foster-Powell for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was weather. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for couples.
I moved to Montavilla from Seattle about 3 years ago. Initially I was overwhelmed. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Montavilla and Foster-Powell for housing
- Get a car if you don't have one - transit is limited
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
The biggest adjustment was weather. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. Overall I'd give Portland a 7/10 for couples.
9 upvotes
Gabriel Hill
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. The city has evolved a lot.
8 upvotes
Aaliyah Diaz
Adding this to my list.
7 upvotes
Axel James
Weekend warrior here - Portland is hit or miss for fishing. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.
6 upvotes
Raymond A.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Woodstock vs Division: completely different vibes. Woodstock is more decent with families and quiet streets. Division is pricey and better for remote workers.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Woodstock. In Division you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
Woodstock vs Division: completely different vibes. Woodstock is more decent with families and quiet streets. Division is pricey and better for remote workers.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Woodstock. In Division you can find stuff for /mo.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.
6 upvotes
Levi Garcia
100%.
5 upvotes
Sophia W.
Same experience here.
3 upvotes
Allison Collins
Just to add another data point - we moved from Miami about 10 years ago. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. No regrets so far.
2 upvotes
Madeline Diaz
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Sunnyside from Denver about 12 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Sunnyside and Woodstock for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was traffic. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give Portland a 8/10 for retirees.
I moved to Sunnyside from Denver about 12 years ago. Initially I was excited but nervous. But after settling in, People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Sunnyside and Woodstock for housing
- Give it at least 6 months before deciding if it's for you
- Explore beyond the popular neighborhoods
The biggest adjustment was traffic. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Overall I'd give Portland a 8/10 for retirees.
2 upvotes
Edward M.
Worked in healthcare here for 7 years. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here.. The market is solid right now if you're in that field.
2 upvotes