Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and I'd say it's better for famil
30 upvotes
17 Replies
Levi Chavez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Andrea H.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
37 upvotes
Harper Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 45, moved here 7 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
33 upvotes
Zoe Reed
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Riverside area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Emilia Wright
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The healthcare is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
25 upvotes
Jaxon
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Aaron Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 42, moved here 10 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Chicago, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
22 upvotes
Leonardo Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 8 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. manufacturing 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Evelyn Ramirez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
elena_walker
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The walkability is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Roman Reyes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
carter_guy
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Sophia Hughes
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The healthcare is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Rylee Hill
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Portland it's excellent.
9 upvotes
allison_mama
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
7 upvotes
Piper Carter
Came here for weather and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The cultural scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.