First post here. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. With a population of 59,375, Kokomo is a smaller city. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Am I overthinking this?
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Stella 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 3 years. Moved from Phoenix for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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 surprisingly good. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
melanie_walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from San Diego about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Wyatt Williams
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great sushi places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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