First post here. I work in food service and The unemployment rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
James C.
accurate
38 upvotes
theodore_rider
spot on
33 upvotes
Sarah Morris
I'm a contractor and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Addison Reed
not my experience at all
30 upvotes
Aurora Davis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 13 years. Moved from Houston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is decent - we have rivers 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. Urban sprawl is real. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Jack Baker
preach
15 upvotes
Piper P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Emily R.
I'm a accountant and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Isabelle A.
haha yep pretty much
9 upvotes
austin_waylon
honestly same experience here
9 upvotes
Jameson Ross
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely decent and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
Clara Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in South and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Houston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
5 upvotes
Bella Smith
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is challenging. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
5 upvotes
Alice
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
3 upvotes
Willow Gonzalez
I'm a nurse and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
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