Curious what people think. I'm single, late 20s, and Median household income is $231,139, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Has anyone dealt with this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
0 upvotes
17 Replies
Luna
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in construction. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Jacob Clark
Moved here last year, no regrets.
40 upvotes
Ellie R.
wish I knew this sooner
38 upvotes
Eugene G.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Highland) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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.
38 upvotes
Emma Rivera
I work in engineering here and it exceeded my expectations. The job market for my field is tough. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
37 upvotes
Jayden
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
26 upvotes
Joseph Lee
I've lived in Eastside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The dating scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
25 upvotes
Olivia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Alexa
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 11 years. Moved from Denver for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Can feel isolated. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Roman Garcia
accurate
21 upvotes
Jayden Hughes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Lily Hall
This.
16 upvotes
Levi R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Bella Long
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
14 upvotes
Alexa
This.
8 upvotes
Luke Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
mesawalker2024
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Chicago it's challenging.
All Countries
