Hi all, Been living here since 2024. Poverty rate is 12.5%, which is around average. Median household income is $59,752, which feels about average for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
19 upvotes
11 Replies
Austin B.
been saying this for years
40 upvotes
Jordan R.
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Eastside area are challenging. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Adam Nelson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Weston Jones
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
19 upvotes
Brooks H.
same here
17 upvotes
Samuel R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes 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 excellent. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
David
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
13 upvotes
mia_local
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Declan Morales
hard disagree but ok
8 upvotes
Leonardo A.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want community vibe, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
2 upvotes
Hailey Gutierrez
Bought a house here in 2024 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
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