Longtime lurker here, I'm originally from St. Louis and You can expect to pay around $989 for rent here. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What would you do? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
Logan L.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
39 upvotes
Alexa Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 51, moved here 13 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Raleigh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
37 upvotes
detroitmind2020
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Melanie Ramirez
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 Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. Eastside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Luna Jackson
100%
26 upvotes
Sarah Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 13 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Melanie
I work in marketing here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is pretty good. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Ella Nguyen
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Ruby Cooper
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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