Anyone else feel this way? Been living here since 2017. You can expect to pay around $1,085 for rent here. Household incomes average around $52,006 in Garfield Heights. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Should I be concerned? TIA! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
15 upvotes
6 Replies
Grace Martinez
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Jacob Morales
honestly same experience here
30 upvotes
Bennett G.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 10 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - 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. Downtown schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Leah Nguyen
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Doris O.
I've lived in East for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Ezekiel S.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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