Not sure if this has been asked before, but Born and raised here. Median household income is $83,482, which feels pretty solid for the area. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thoughts? Thanks for reading. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Elizabeth Hughes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Ava Cruz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. legal 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 genuinely enjoy living here. 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. East schools are pretty good. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Julian Reyes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I have mixed feelings honestly. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
34 upvotes
Xavier Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in North. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Xavier Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 24, moved here 2 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. excellent 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 Phoenix, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
10 upvotes
Luca
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
7 upvotes
Isabella Moore
bump
7 upvotes
Zoey Cooper
My experience has been mostly positive. it's exactly what I was looking for. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
5 upvotes
Mason C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
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