Hey, I'm retired and It's a a smaller city city with about 36,669 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. What would you do?
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Alyssa C.
exactly what I was thinking
40 upvotes
Julia Robinson
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Dominic M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails 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 average. 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Benjamin T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Elijah Long
I've lived in West for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Adeline Howard
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
James Flores
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 24, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - 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 outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
19 upvotes
Emilia
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Eastside area are decent. Kids love it here.
16 upvotes
David Alvarez
wish I knew this sooner
11 upvotes
Paisley Jones
big facts right here
7 upvotes
phillymama2024
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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