Hey everyone, I'm a college student here and The unemployment rate is 5.9%, which is about average. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
10 upvotes
11 Replies
Ariana Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Liam Cox
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
sunny_hunter61
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
30 upvotes
Stella M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
29 upvotes
Isla Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 7 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 tough. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Victoria M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Isaac Ramirez
Moved here from Nashville about 2 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to weather but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
urban_jeremiah14
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
9 upvotes
Ethan Parker
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Harper Martinez
I'm a marketing manager and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
6 upvotes
Emily G.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
