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tulsarider2024
living
Anyone else love living in East Orange?
Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here.
10 upvotes
30 Replies
Vincent A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Cora Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 11 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are excellent. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Mason Rogers
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Oak Park area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
John Green
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Homeless population growing 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.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Springfield) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Homeless population growing 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.
37 upvotes
Pamela A.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Pine Hills. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in government. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
36 upvotes
Gabriella Sanchez
Bought a house here in 2020 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
36 upvotes
Liam Long
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 55, moved here 11 years ago from LA. I've lived in Springfield and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The dating scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K 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.
34 upvotes
Xavier Myers
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Asian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
34 upvotes
Grayson T.
exactly what I was thinking
33 upvotes
Avery E.
I've lived in Westside for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Ezekiel Garcia
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Downtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Leo Wilson
thanks for sharing
30 upvotes
James C.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
30 upvotes
William Wright
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Violet Harris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely average and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
27 upvotes
Eva Hall
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Camila Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 50, moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. underrated 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 Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
25 upvotes
river_noah73
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are surprisingly 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Fairview for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. engineering 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'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are surprisingly 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Abigail Cook
not my experience at all
19 upvotes
Jace James
I work in healthcare here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Sophia James
Came here for quality of life and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The school system is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Addison Gray
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Portland it's average.
11 upvotes
cameron_girl
I'm a writer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
9 upvotes
Jonathan Brooks
Can confirm, been here 1 years.
8 upvotes
Aurora Clark
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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 solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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 solid. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Evan Hill
spot on
7 upvotes
Isabelle Edwards
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
6 upvotes
Reagan Alvarez
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Lakewood area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
1 upvotes
Madeline W.
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The nightlife scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
1 upvotes
Lily Edwards
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
0 upvotes