Longtime lurker here, I work in food service and The median home value here is around $90,800, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 23.3%, which is higher than I expected. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What would you do? Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Riley N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely tough and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not very walkable outside downtown.
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
Katherine Martinez
100%
38 upvotes
Landon Lewis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Atlanta it's better than expected.
33 upvotes
Emily M.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Kaylee Chavez
literally same
21 upvotes
Theodore Miller
big facts right here
21 upvotes
Hudson Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
William
good to know, thanks
19 upvotes
Waylon
100%
16 upvotes
Sarah Thomas
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 9 years. Moved from San Diego for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. manufacturing 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 hit or miss - we have national forests 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
James White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 41, moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Eastside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The weather situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K 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.
9 upvotes
Alice C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
7 upvotes
Henry
big facts right here
7 upvotes
Leah G.
preach
4 upvotes
Edward L.
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 6 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to nightlife but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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