I grew up here but left for a while. Crime rate is something to consider -Hazel Dell sits at 342.1 per 100K. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? Thanks! The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
10 upvotes
12 Replies
Aaliyah N.
I'm a electrician and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Austin Brooks
facts
38 upvotes
Olivia
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 9 years. Moved from Houston for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Eugene T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 36, moved here 8 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Cedar Grove and The Heights, 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. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
27 upvotes
Susan C.
+1
25 upvotes
Peyton Reyes
+1
23 upvotes
Ian Ward
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Phoenix about 5 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
17 upvotes
native_easton54
+1
8 upvotes
Weston Castillo
haha yep pretty much
1 upvotes
Caleb Garcia
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The pet-friendliness is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..