Hey folks, We have two kids and Rent is about $1,290/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $328,200 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Should I be concerned? The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
30 upvotes
8 Replies
Jonathan Ward
I work in government here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is tough. Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Lucy Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Gabriella M.
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Arianna Mendoza
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Fairview area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
portlandchef2022
bump
18 upvotes
Dylan Anderson
Bought a house here in 2015 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
7 upvotes
Alice Robinson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established 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 shopping 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.
2 upvotes
Ezra Price
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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