Alright, Median household income is $90,166, which feels pretty solid for the area. The median home value here is around $765,500, which is pretty steep. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
33 upvotes
8 Replies
Jayden Taylor
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is decent in most areas.
39 upvotes
Eli Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Phoenix for my partner's job. 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 a bit 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:**
hospitality is strong here. legal 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have biking 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 better than expected. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Angela J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 46, moved here 11 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in South and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. average vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
25 upvotes
Sebastian Roberts
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great seafood places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Angel
I've lived in Midtown for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Reagan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Avery Thomas
+1
2 upvotes
Samuel Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from LA about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
All Countries
