Anyone else feel this way? I'm retired and The median home value here is around $258,700, which seems about average. Crime rate is something to consider -Blue Ridge sits at 79.4 per 100K. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
14 Replies
Madelyn Flores
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
35 upvotes
Weston K.
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great craft beer places. I love the pace of life here.
34 upvotes
Julian Brown
+1
31 upvotes
Claire Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 40, moved here 2 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
31 upvotes
Robert Taylor
100%
24 upvotes
Wyatt Nelson
I work in healthcare here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Stella T.
Moved here from Boston about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to cultural scene but Definitely worth checking out..
21 upvotes
Kayden S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks 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 decent. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
hunter_kid
Bought a house here in 2023 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
16 upvotes
Everett Cooper
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Christian Mendoza
preach
9 upvotes
chill_eli72
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
6 upvotes
Philip L.
I've lived in Greenfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The safety scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Grace M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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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