First post here. I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $1,319 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective. Thanks for reading. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Vivian L.
not my experience at all
39 upvotes
Asher R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Phoenix about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are manageable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Peyton 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 10 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Eastside 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. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Ian Rodriguez
lol so true
18 upvotes
Douglas C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
Aria Reed
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Southern places. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
17 upvotes
Julian E.
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
14 upvotes
Silas Morgan
+1
9 upvotes
Caleb Morgan
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Autumn
exactly what I was thinking
5 upvotes
Mason Collins
Moved here from New York about 2 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to weather but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..