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Avery Adams
jobs
River Heights job market vs Portland
Been meaning to ask this. Let me know your thoughts. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
0 upvotes
13 Replies
Nova Anderson
following this thread
40 upvotes
Kayden W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 46, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. pretty 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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 real estate agent, 46, moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. pretty 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 Atlanta, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Angel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Dallas it's hit or miss.
39 upvotes
Alexander Lee
big facts right here
37 upvotes
Alice Davis
I've lived in Lakewood for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Charles R.
Bought a house here in 2020 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
Logan Wood
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
31 upvotes
Alice Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Genesis Cruz
+1
24 upvotes
Maverick Ramos
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Evan
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is average in most areas.
21 upvotes
Axel James
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in East area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
David K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 53, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
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. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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 marketing manager, 53, moved here 15 years ago from New York. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
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. Dating scene is rough
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The school system situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
11 upvotes