My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 8,422 people. Homes are going for about $452,100 on average. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What are your go-to spots? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
11 upvotes
6 Replies
Emma
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Allison Hughes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from Denver for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Eva Taylor
big facts right here
12 upvotes
Genesis
Totally agree!
11 upvotes
Everly Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 55, moved here 8 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Tampa, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
6 upvotes
columbus_eleanor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely tough and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (South) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. nightlife is completely different here. And Urban sprawl is real.
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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