Hey, I'm a remote worker and Household incomes average around $54,857 in Ettrick. Crime rate is something to consider -Ettrick sits at 203.3 per 100K. Rent is about $1,223/month for a decent place. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Hailey M.
preach
39 upvotes
Caroline P.
glad someone said it
39 upvotes
Eva Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 5 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
38 upvotes
Kaylee Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 26, moved here 10 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
36 upvotes
Eliana Hall
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is improving
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Valentina C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 28, moved here 15 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Riverside and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K 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.
32 upvotes
Everett Myers
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is underrated. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Robert W.
Bought a house here in 2019 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
29 upvotes
Quinn Gutierrez
accurate
19 upvotes
Daniel Clark
underrated comment
16 upvotes
Hailey Gray
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
phoenixlocal2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited entertainment options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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