Hello, I work in consulting and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Median household income is $45,119, which feels on the lower side for the area. You can expect to pay around $986 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Does this match your experience? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
5 upvotes
15 Replies
stl_christian
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much reasonable but now it's excellent.
40 upvotes
Betty A.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is excellent in most areas.
37 upvotes
Silas Ramos
I've lived in Eastside for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from New York, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The cost of living scene is tough
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Henry
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Sunset. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
Leah Hernandez
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
32 upvotes
Jacob Morales
Public transit is decent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
31 upvotes
Jean C.
good to know, thanks
27 upvotes
Daniel Foster
honestly same experience here
21 upvotes
Greyson Campbell
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great craft beer places. it exceeded my expectations.
20 upvotes
Mateo Bailey
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Old Town. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Bradley T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown 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..
13 upvotes
local_aria42
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 50, moved here 4 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Diverse dining options
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The healthcare situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
12 upvotes
Isaiah Peterson
glad someone said it
10 upvotes
Genesis Parker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
All Countries
