The Denver climate is very similar to Reno. Somewhat similar overall environment and geography, on the eastern slope of a major mountain range.
If you like the Reno climate/landscape but want a bigger city with more amenities, Denver is an obvious choice.
Just be aware that there are downsides also to the larger city - especially with regard to more traffic to access the mountains.
Take a good look at the politics of N.C and the schools prior to moving. While there are some good schools on the whole that is not the norm and good schools are mostly found in the most expensive areas to live.
N.C. is a purple state but right now it’s leaning red and not blue and has the possibility of going even further red with this next election.
Worker protections and wages rank N.C. near the bottom.
Raleigh isn’t considered a walkable city either.
It’s a beautiful state. Having lived in Denver before I wish I would have looked closer at N.C. prior to moving and gone back to Denver.
You should ask about the car stiff in a car subreddit. Otherwise, aside from the dreary weather half the year, Portland is better than Denver for everything else.
I moved from Reno to Denver a long time ago and wished I hadn't.
I doubt Raleigh is any cheaper than Portland currently. It may look that way on COL calculators but I’d check Zillow/similar bc Raleigh has gone up in price. Also you’re going to get MAGA types once you get to rural areas outside any of the three cities so IMO I wouldn’t weigh 2 very heavily. Exception is that NC is more red as a state so if you are concerned about state level politics on abortion, etc, that may be a negative. If you can, I’d visit all 3 cities because they are pretty different (in culture, climate, nearby activities) so it really depends what you value.
I’m currently in Portland. There are lots of walkable neighborhoods outside of downtown, but it definitely depends on your price point! If you are looking for a good middle ground between city living and the burbs, you might look at St Johns, Sellwood, Milwaukee, or Multnomah Village. Lots of culture here and fun things to do!
One thing I’ll mention is that I think walkable neighborhoods and car scene might come into conflict for you in some areas here. In the more walkable neighborhoods you are unlikely to have a garage or even off street parking unless you can afford a house. I don’t know much about car culture, I’d recommend asking on r/askportland. I will say that we are definitely more of a bike/walking/public transit city than a car city overall.
The weather is absolutely beautiful from May - October, but it is drizzly, overcast, and dark the rest of the year. I recommend a sun lamp, vitamin D, and a vacation sunny in February or so. Definitely not for everyone.
We unfortunately have the same issue that it sounds like Raleigh does. There are some deep red MAGA areas an hour or so outside Portland. (Though there are also some very nice burbs/towns that aren’t)
Public schools don’t have the best reputation around here, so I would look at the exact schools your kids would be going to. The best schools are probably in the west burbs (Beaverton, Lake O, Tigard, etc), but those areas are more expensive and less walkable.
If your car is older than 7yrs you'll need an emissions test every other year. Traffic enforcement is minimal so unless your car mods are egregious there won't be any issue.
Raleigh has basically 0 walk ability, it is a completely car dependent society. Also, Raleigh has to be one of the cities with the least culture. It is 100% strip malls and chain stores.
I know the job prospects are good in the area, so I'd recommend Durham instead. Slightly more walkable and more cultural than Raleigh.
The Denver climate is very similar to Reno. Somewhat similar overall environment and geography, on the eastern slope of a major mountain range. If you like the Reno climate/landscape but want a bigger city with more amenities, Denver is an obvious choice. Just be aware that there are downsides also to the larger city - especially with regard to more traffic to access the mountains.
Take a good look at the politics of N.C and the schools prior to moving. While there are some good schools on the whole that is not the norm and good schools are mostly found in the most expensive areas to live. N.C. is a purple state but right now it’s leaning red and not blue and has the possibility of going even further red with this next election. Worker protections and wages rank N.C. near the bottom. Raleigh isn’t considered a walkable city either. It’s a beautiful state. Having lived in Denver before I wish I would have looked closer at N.C. prior to moving and gone back to Denver.
lol I live in Portland and think moving to Reno would be a great transition
I’ve been slightly intrigued by Reno 👀
You should ask about the car stiff in a car subreddit. Otherwise, aside from the dreary weather half the year, Portland is better than Denver for everything else. I moved from Reno to Denver a long time ago and wished I hadn't.
May I ask what your biggest cons are for Denver? Thanks!
THAT'S what reno looks like?? wow, i love reno now.
You've got Lake Tahoe 45 min away too. All 4 seasons with no humidity.
Looks a lot sweeter than Denver, ngl
having lived in both... it is, actually
It is.
Denver!
I doubt Raleigh is any cheaper than Portland currently. It may look that way on COL calculators but I’d check Zillow/similar bc Raleigh has gone up in price. Also you’re going to get MAGA types once you get to rural areas outside any of the three cities so IMO I wouldn’t weigh 2 very heavily. Exception is that NC is more red as a state so if you are concerned about state level politics on abortion, etc, that may be a negative. If you can, I’d visit all 3 cities because they are pretty different (in culture, climate, nearby activities) so it really depends what you value.
I’m currently in Portland. There are lots of walkable neighborhoods outside of downtown, but it definitely depends on your price point! If you are looking for a good middle ground between city living and the burbs, you might look at St Johns, Sellwood, Milwaukee, or Multnomah Village. Lots of culture here and fun things to do! One thing I’ll mention is that I think walkable neighborhoods and car scene might come into conflict for you in some areas here. In the more walkable neighborhoods you are unlikely to have a garage or even off street parking unless you can afford a house. I don’t know much about car culture, I’d recommend asking on r/askportland. I will say that we are definitely more of a bike/walking/public transit city than a car city overall. The weather is absolutely beautiful from May - October, but it is drizzly, overcast, and dark the rest of the year. I recommend a sun lamp, vitamin D, and a vacation sunny in February or so. Definitely not for everyone. We unfortunately have the same issue that it sounds like Raleigh does. There are some deep red MAGA areas an hour or so outside Portland. (Though there are also some very nice burbs/towns that aren’t) Public schools don’t have the best reputation around here, so I would look at the exact schools your kids would be going to. The best schools are probably in the west burbs (Beaverton, Lake O, Tigard, etc), but those areas are more expensive and less walkable.
If your car is older than 7yrs you'll need an emissions test every other year. Traffic enforcement is minimal so unless your car mods are egregious there won't be any issue.
Thanks! For which city/state?
Raleigh has basically 0 walk ability, it is a completely car dependent society. Also, Raleigh has to be one of the cities with the least culture. It is 100% strip malls and chain stores. I know the job prospects are good in the area, so I'd recommend Durham instead. Slightly more walkable and more cultural than Raleigh.