Not sure if this has been asked before, but Been living here since 2012. The median home value here is around $552,700, which is pretty steep. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
12 Replies
lake_olivia41
big facts right here
40 upvotes
Jace Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 51, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
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. Winters are long and cold
3. The cultural scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Miami, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
34 upvotes
adrian_girl
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much reasonable but now it's decent.
34 upvotes
Silas Ruiz
nah I disagree
32 upvotes
Scarlett Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely challenging and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (North) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation 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.
30 upvotes
Josiah R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Phoenix it's underrated.
22 upvotes
Jose Morales
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
20 upvotes
Skylar Ramos
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Thai places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
17 upvotes
Donald A.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Greenfield area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Christian
I've lived in The Heights for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The public transit scene is tough
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Piper P.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Downtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
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