First post here. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Wyatt D.
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
Lydia
Bought a house here in 2018 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
32 upvotes
Anna Harris
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
30 upvotes
Lori G.
I work in legal here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Aria
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 46, moved here 14 years ago from New York. I've lived in Midtown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The dating scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
20 upvotes
Ezra Reed
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
20 upvotes
Mason Rivera
100%
13 upvotes
Jose P.
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
10 upvotes
Aaliyah Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Miami for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.