Hey folks, Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Elmwood sits at 161.0 per 100K. Rent is about $1,474/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 6.4%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Thanks! Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
13 upvotes
5 Replies
Bobby J.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Seattle for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking 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 challenging. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Julia L.
Bought a house here in 2015 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
17 upvotes
Everett G.
noted, appreciate it
16 upvotes
Adam Ruiz
good to know, thanks
15 upvotes
Samuel Cook
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is underrated in most areas.
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