Not sure if this has been asked before, but The median home value here is around $76,900, which is actually reasonable. Rent is about $599/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation? The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
kc_vivian
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
39 upvotes
Gabriella Diaz
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
brooks_girl
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 3 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Thomas S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 52, moved here 3 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Property taxes are high
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 New York, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
29 upvotes
Nevaeh
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
23 upvotes
Kayden W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Feel free to reach out with questions..
18 upvotes
Colton Foster
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
16 upvotes
Isaac Smith
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2022 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Evan
same here
14 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Charlotte A.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
8 upvotes
Brooks Taylor
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 29, moved here 14 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for singles. underrated 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 Boston, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
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