First post here. Military spouse here. Rent is about $1,279/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 50--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 70,542 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
11 Replies
Mateo Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Eastside schools are underrated. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Theresa N.
thanks for sharing
33 upvotes
Henry Cooper
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Sadie Ross
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Midtown area are average. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Allison Foster
thanks for sharing
29 upvotes
Isabelle Taylor
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. West 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Quinn Torres
this is the way
16 upvotes
James Thompson
haha yep pretty much
11 upvotes
Roman B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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