Hello, I'm a 36-year-old firefighter and Homes are going for about $461,800 on average. Median household income is $74,286, which feels about average for the area. Household incomes average around $74,286 in Silverton. The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What do you all think? Looking forward to hearing from you all. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
1 upvotes
13 Replies
Nicholas P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Diego about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Bennett L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Portland for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are better than expected. 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 dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Aiden Smith
I work in real estate here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Jordan Baker
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
37 upvotes
Melanie A.
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
Hailey Peterson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (South) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
34 upvotes
Noah C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. job market 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.
27 upvotes
Carter Brooks
not my experience at all
24 upvotes
Claire
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - we have biking trails 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 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Savannah Anderson
noted, appreciate it
12 upvotes
Cameron Nelson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Greenfield and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. excellent vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Baltimore, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
10 upvotes
Santiago E.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is average in most areas.
8 upvotes
Bella Ramirez
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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