I grew up here, left for college, and came back 1 years ago. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.
Home prices averaging is {home_feel}. The weather averaging 54F year-round is {weather_feel}.
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from Phoenix. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.
Curious if others agree.
94 upvotes
16 Replies
Vincent S.
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Alberta Arts vs St. Johns: completely different vibes. Alberta Arts is more underrated with families and quiet streets. St. Johns is lively and better for young professionals.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Alberta Arts. In St. Johns you can find stuff for /mo.
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.
48 upvotes
Scott J.
Worked in construction here for 4 years. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The market is solid right now if you're in that field.
47 upvotes
raleighliving2026
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Portland.
Background: 27, college grad, moved from Atlanta 1 years ago for work. Currently in St. Johns.
**Housing:**
The market is solid right now. We went with St. Johns because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Hawthorne - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
healthcare jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Atlanta but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 4 months were tough. Then I found my people through a running club. Now I have a solid group. Portland people are reserved at first once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: surprisingly excellent
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. For retirees, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
47 upvotes
Daniel James
We pay /mo in Hawthorne for a 2-bed and I could find cheaper but love the neighborhood. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.
42 upvotes
Aria
Nah.
35 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching Portland.
Background: 54, family with kids, moved from Miami 3 years ago for work. Currently in Cully.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Cully because it felt safe. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Alberta Arts - it's established and the value is better.
**Work:**
construction jobs are strong here. I was worried coming from Miami but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 16 months were tough. Then I found my people through a co-working space. Now I have a solid group. Portland people are welcoming once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: pricey
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: amazing variety
- Entertainment: could be better
**Would I move here again?**
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. For couples, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
29 upvotes
Nathan Thomas
Parent of two in Cully. Schools are great here. Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
24 upvotes
Olivia Allen
As someone who lives in Pearl District, I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}.. That said, the weather is love-it-or-hate-it.
18 upvotes
Jose W.
I've lived in both Foster-Powell and Irvington. Completely different vibes. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
17 upvotes
Jameson
We pay /mo in Mississippi for a 3-bed and it's steep but the location is great. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.
14 upvotes
Nathan Anderson
It's gotten better recently.
13 upvotes
Sarah Nguyen
This is the way.
10 upvotes
Emilia Miller
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If walkability matters most, then yeah Portland is great. But if you need diversity, might want to look at Division instead.
9 upvotes
Grace P.
It's gotten worse recently.
5 upvotes
Dominic W.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a couple in our 30s in Mississippi. Been here since 2022. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better..
Neighborhood-wise, Mississippi has really grown in the past few years. Pearl District is the up-and-coming spot right now. Alberta Arts is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for real estate: hit or miss. For tech: lively.
I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
Feel free to ask specifics.
5 upvotes
sacramento_greyson
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Sellwood, Alberta Arts, and currently in Hawthorne. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Sellwood: /mo for a 3-bed
- Alberta Arts: about /mo
- Hawthorne: /mo but solid
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, Portland really clicks. DM me if you want more details.
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