Hi all, Homes are going for about $322,300 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Does this match your experience? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
16 upvotes
14 Replies
Piper M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail 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 love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are tough. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Margaret O.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Luna Howard
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Old Town area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
37 upvotes
Nova Sanchez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 4 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
mateo_heart
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 6 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Downtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Boston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
24 upvotes
Riley
it depends on the neighborhood
22 upvotes
Waylon Cox
Came here for retirement and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The food scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
21 upvotes
Leo Baker
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Eva Flores
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Parker Martinez
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
16 upvotes
Ariana Edwards
lol so true
12 upvotes
Isabelle Sanchez
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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