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John R.
moving
Is Portsmouth worth moving to in 2026?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -Portsmouth sits at 172.0 per 100K.
14 upvotes
15 Replies
Hudson Sanders
Totally agree!
36 upvotes
Olivia
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
mountain_sophia27
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Jackson Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Aiden Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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 data analyst, 24, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in West and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
26 upvotes
Brenda M.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Aurora W.
glad someone said it
23 upvotes
minneapolispapa2020
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much reasonable but now it's improving.
21 upvotes
fresno_alexander
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Fairview area are underrated. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Kennedy T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is average.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Michael Collins
I've lived in Highland for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Atlanta, 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
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Atlanta, 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
- Good internet infrastructure
- The dating scene scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Hudson K.
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
Thomas
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
15 upvotes
Sadie
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Riley Lewis
100%
0 upvotes