I've been here for 3 years and Average temperature is around 72--F, so it's warm year-round. The median home value here is around $659,700, which is pretty steep. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Worth the trade-offs?
14 upvotes
11 Replies
dc_ava
Moved here from Nashville about 4 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to safety but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Bennett Taylor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
32 upvotes
Elijah Jimenez
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much competitive but now it's excellent.
29 upvotes
cool_angel66
hmm interesting perspective
21 upvotes
Autumn
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 25, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. average 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 Boston, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
21 upvotes
Quinn Stewart
Came here for school and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The community vibe is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Aurora Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have state parks 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 excellent. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Kai Ortiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 54, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in North and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The walkability situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K 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.
15 upvotes
Gabriel
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Josiah Walker
Saving this thread
12 upvotes
Eva Thomas
I work in finance here and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
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