Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $751 for rent here. Poverty rate is 16.7%, which is higher than I expected. Rent is about $751/month for a decent place. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Worth the trade-offs? The suburbs are where most families end up. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
2 upvotes
4 Replies
Alice Martin
Bought a house here in 2022 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
29 upvotes
Aaliyah Parker
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Limited public transit 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.
27 upvotes
Alexander Evans
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
25 upvotes
Adrian Moore
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2023 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
All Countries
