Been meaning to ask this. I grew up here but left for a while. Average temperature is around 58°F, so the weather is moderate. Homes are going for about $1,289,400 on average. Median household income is $176,350, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
7 upvotes
21 Replies
Victoria Kelly
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The community vibe is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
39 upvotes
lake_riley16
not my experience at all
38 upvotes
nashville_isabelle
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into kayaking, 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.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
35 upvotes
Leo
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 51, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The cost of living situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. solid 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 LA, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
31 upvotes
Silas B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
31 upvotes
Willow N.
facts
28 upvotes
Emmett White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 12 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Willie M.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is school system. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
20 upvotes
raised_aiden55
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Andrew P.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in education. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
20 upvotes
Evan P.
I've lived in Eastside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
19 upvotes
Grace T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Chicago about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
atl_lillian
100%
13 upvotes
Cameron B.
haha yep pretty much
13 upvotes
Genesis W.
Totally agree!
9 upvotes
Greyson Clark
Moved here last year, no regrets.
9 upvotes
Genesis Cruz
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Eugene B.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
8 upvotes
Skylar H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited entertainment options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
7 upvotes
Anna W.
it depends on the neighborhood
6 upvotes
Alice Torres
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 cultural scene. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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