Hey, Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $142,500, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 15.1%, which is higher than I expected. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Elk Mound sits at 341.7 per 100K. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
1 upvotes
6 Replies
Adrian C.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Jace Stewart
Moved here from Charlotte about 4 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to walkability but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Liam D.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
13 upvotes
Chloe Hernandez
I've lived in Downtown for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Feel free to reach out with questions..
10 upvotes
Thomas C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Kaylee Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Tampa for a job opportunity. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. tech 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 have mixed feelings honestly. 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. East schools are better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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