Been meaning to ask this. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Umatilla sits at 111.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $191,000 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Thanks! 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. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Luca Young
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Springfield. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
30 upvotes
Doris G.
I've lived in Downtown for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Isla Richardson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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