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Sadie Patel
best-worst
Things West Salem needs to improve
Alright, The suburbs are where most families end up. What do you all think? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Logan L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Dallas about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Elijah Jackson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Feel free to reach out with questions..
34 upvotes
Nevaeh R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Fairview. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Savannah Moore
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
Elizabeth Evans
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
18 upvotes
Gabriella Campbell
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
Ellie Brown
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
11 upvotes
Evan M.
preach
4 upvotes
Scarlett G.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in South area are decent. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Daniel M.
lol so true
2 upvotes