Longtime lurker here, Homes are going for about $1,752,800 on average. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
15 upvotes
14 Replies
Logan Foster
My experience has been mostly positive. it exceeded my expectations. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
columbus_ava
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 9 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Olivia R.
Moved here from Austin about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to food scene but No regrets on my end..
28 upvotes
chill_abigail28
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Levi R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 26, moved here 8 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Pine Hills and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The public transit situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
23 upvotes
Brooks Kelly
Bought a house here in 2015 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone about the same since then.
23 upvotes
Angel Watson
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 Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have ski resorts 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. Winters are long and cold. Dating scene is rough. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Isabelle Thompson
Bought a house here in 2020 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
17 upvotes
Jayden Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Andrew Hernandez
facts
4 upvotes
Mackenzie Rodriguez
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
Keith W.
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
4 upvotes
Thomas R.
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Sarah A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 2 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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