Hey everyone, I'm single, late 30s, and Poverty rate is 6.9%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $702,700 on average. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Jeremiah Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
22 upvotes
lake_mason26
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 31, moved here 6 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The healthcare situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
21 upvotes
Kinsley Davis
interesting, hadn't considered that
17 upvotes
Weston T.
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
16 upvotes
Isabelle Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 9 years. Moved from Portland for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are hit or miss. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Natalie Nelson
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
2 upvotes
atl_grace
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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