Been meaning to ask this. I'm retired and Does this match your experience? TIA! The suburbs are where most families end up.
22 upvotes
18 Replies
Audrey R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 6 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
charlotte_robert
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Minneapolis for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. 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 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. finance 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
local_dominic98
Saving this thread
33 upvotes
Colton Alvarez
noted, appreciate it
29 upvotes
Theodore Scott
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
Mateo Alvarez
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Gabriella M.
good to know, thanks
20 upvotes
Bradley B.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want traffic, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Gabriel C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to San Diego it's improving.
13 upvotes
Anna Campbell
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Boston it's pretty good.
13 upvotes
Jace Stewart
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
13 upvotes
Logan Rogers
interesting, hadn't considered that
9 upvotes
Michael Collins
Came here for work and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
9 upvotes
Cameron Baker
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
8 upvotes
Madelyn S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 1 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. South 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Brielle Gonzalez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 10 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Genesis B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Baltimore about 6 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
omahaguy2024
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..