I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 1.1%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
10 Replies
Jack W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Minneapolis about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Jacqueline J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 55, moved here 6 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
34 upvotes
Sophia Johnson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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
Avery
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Lydia M.
Moved here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to walkability but Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Aiden Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 5 years. Moved from Dallas for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are excellent. 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 high-paying job options. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Ian M.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
Emilia Reed
I've been living here for 4 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The nightlife is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Amelia W.
accurate
15 upvotes
Luca
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Sunset and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$110K 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.
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