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Emmett
jobs
Starting a business in Salem?
Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What are your go-to spots?
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Robert Johnson
spot on
35 upvotes
Leonardo Jimenez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Gabriella Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. decent 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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, 48, moved here 6 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in East and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. decent 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
31 upvotes
Riley Diaz
lol so true
24 upvotes
sd_leo
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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 nightlife, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
23 upvotes
Allison H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 43, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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 lawyer, 43, moved here 10 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Oak Park and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Zoey Gonzalez
not my experience at all
17 upvotes
Wyatt King
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Pine Hills. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Serenity Nguyen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
15 upvotes
Leah Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 35, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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 accountant, 35, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
9 upvotes
Austin H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 31, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. decent 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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 electrician, 31, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Close to major attractions
2. Strong sense of community
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for retirees. decent 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 Houston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
3 upvotes