Been meaning to ask this. I work in insurance and Poverty rate is 9.0%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Would love some local perspective. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Aubrey Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**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 surprisingly good - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
desert_jose82
couldn't agree more
36 upvotes
Jaxon Bailey
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Charlotte about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..