Hi all, Born and raised here. Crime rate is something to consider -East Lake sits at 108.4 per 100K. Median household income is $93,862, which feels pretty solid for the area. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
27 upvotes
14 Replies
Levi Thomas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
40 upvotes
Mason Rogers
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great craft beer places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
34 upvotes
tulsapapa2023
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
30 upvotes
Gabriel C.
accurate
28 upvotes
James J.
facts
26 upvotes
Judith J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 25, moved here 4 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Greenfield and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for retirees. average 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
cameron_girl
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Nashville about 4 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Bennett G.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
20 upvotes
Charlotte Phillips
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in North area are challenging. Kids love it here.
19 upvotes
Ariana Hill
Saving this thread
14 upvotes
lagirl2022
preach
6 upvotes
Violet
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 45, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Riverside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for remote workers. decent 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
6 upvotes
Jose Cooper
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
All Countries
