Not sure if this has been asked before, but The unemployment rate is 0.6%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $694/month for a decent place. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
Ethan Cox
glad someone said it
36 upvotes
Mateo Garcia
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 Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 underrated. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Daniel Davis
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Colton Gray
I'm a social worker and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
32 upvotes
nola_ariana
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail 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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Nathan W.
literally same
31 upvotes
Helen P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 38, moved here 4 years ago from New York. I've lived in East and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 New York, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K 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.
22 upvotes
Jessica C.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Isabella R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely improving and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
21 upvotes
Jonathan Price
I've lived in Eastside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Lots of new development happening
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Angel M.
Saving this thread
18 upvotes
Audrey W.
spot on
13 upvotes
Stella T.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Cedar Grove. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
12 upvotes
Ian T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
4 upvotes
Arthur G.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
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