OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The median home value here is around $295,500, which seems about average. Poverty rate is 7.1%, which is pretty low. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
27 upvotes
12 Replies
Dominic
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Lucas Turner
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Thai places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
36 upvotes
Easton Evans
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 8 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. marketing 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside schools are better than expected. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Dating scene is rough. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Eli
Moved here from LA about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Dominic
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
27 upvotes
Sarah Perez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 solid. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Teresa C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Kaylee Chavez
exactly what I was thinking
20 upvotes
Rylee Sanchez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 28, moved here 11 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The job market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. average 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 Austin, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
19 upvotes
Greyson Kelly
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
John J.
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
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