Hey everyone, We're a young couple and Average temperature is around 73--F, so it's warm year-round. Rent is about $746/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
10 upvotes
10 Replies
Leonardo Ortiz
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Rylee Diaz
spot on
39 upvotes
Clara Nelson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Parker L.
literally same
34 upvotes
William Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in construction. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
29 upvotes
Alexander Martin
Came here for family and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor recreation is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Samantha W.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
Gerald C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are underrated. 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. Dating scene is rough. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Savannah Harris
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
23 upvotes
Theodore
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..