Hey, Poverty rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this?
5 upvotes
11 Replies
Natalie Myers
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
40 upvotes
Joshua Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Austin about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are growing, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
39 upvotes
Nevaeh Rogers
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Piper Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 42, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Oak Park and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Seattle, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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
Autumn Allen
Moved here from Austin about 5 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to traffic but Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Benjamin H.
been saying this for years
25 upvotes
Valentina Martin
it depends on the neighborhood
12 upvotes
Paisley M.
good to know, thanks
11 upvotes
Savannah
bump
10 upvotes
Kinsley Alvarez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely pretty good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Westside) is pricey 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 Dating scene is rough.
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.
4 upvotes
jaxnative2022
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
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