The median home value here is around $248,700, which is actually reasonable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Thanks for reading.
17 upvotes
10 Replies
Maya Patel
Bought a house here in 2016 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
38 upvotes
Wesley Jimenez
Bought a house here in 2024 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
Quinn Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2024 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:**
construction is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks 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 pretty good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Chain restaurants dominate. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Daniel Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Isabelle
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown schools are improving. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Reagan Morgan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Austin about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Alexa Gonzalez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 39, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Springfield and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
21 upvotes
John Torres
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
21 upvotes
Ellie Williams
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is solid in most areas.
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