Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $100,735, which feels pretty solid for the area. Poverty rate is 6.9%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $238,200, which is actually reasonable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
15 upvotes
5 Replies
Ethan F.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Samantha W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 29, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. excellent 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 Charlotte, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
15 upvotes
Melanie Kim
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
Kyle C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Kennedy Cruz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Old Town) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
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