Hey, I grew up here but left for a while. It's a a major city city with about 968K people. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $91,461, which feels pretty solid for the area. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
93 upvotes
7 Replies
Peyton Gonzalez
100%
34 upvotes
Bella
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The weather scene is improving
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
columbus_aiden
Used to live on the West side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
22 upvotes
Piper K.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Diego about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Santiago Parker
spot on
20 upvotes
Addison Sanchez
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
12 upvotes
Lillian K.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.