Longtime lurker here, Just moved here 12 months ago and It's a a small town city with about 9,068 people. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 13.5%, which is around average. Rent is about $1,061/month for a decent place. The suburbs are where most families end up. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
4 upvotes
3 Replies
Janice E.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Eleanor G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Lily Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely underrated and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
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