Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 4 months ago and Median household income is $45,300, which feels on the lower side for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Should I be concerned?
7 upvotes
15 Replies
Gianna Sanders
good to know, thanks
36 upvotes
David Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
25 upvotes
Emma Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in legal. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
23 upvotes
Carol C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is decent.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
23 upvotes
Stella M.
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
Mateo Kim
exactly what I was thinking
16 upvotes
Christian Brown
not my experience at all
15 upvotes
Maya Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 8 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2024 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. 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. Eastside schools are decent. 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Christian P.
preach
14 upvotes
Ian T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Michael Lopez
I've lived in The Heights for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Wayne P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Declan Sanders
following this thread
5 upvotes
Luna Rogers
Moved here from Austin about 9 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to food scene but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
0 upvotes
andrew_living
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
All Countries
