Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 11.9%, which is around average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What are your go-to spots?
4 upvotes
9 Replies
Emma Thompson
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Sebastian Wood
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Indian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
26 upvotes
Amelia Wilson
I'm a teacher and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
23 upvotes
Katherine T.
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Diverse dining options
- The weather scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Elijah
haha yep pretty much
16 upvotes
Hunter Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
16 upvotes
Harper Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 25, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Oak Park and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Diego, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
