Anyone else feel this way? Crime rate is something to consider -Lafayette sits at 14.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Thoughts? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
10 upvotes
20 Replies
Gabriella Sanchez
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
36 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
Bought a house here in 2016 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
36 upvotes
Victoria C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Phoenix about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Ian Lewis
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Indian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
30 upvotes
Clara Jackson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 14 years. Moved from Miami for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails 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 improving. 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 job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Anna W.
I've lived in Old Town for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
27 upvotes
Brooks
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
26 upvotes
Claire T.
Moved here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
25 upvotes
Victoria Smith
underrated comment
22 upvotes
Thomas Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
17 upvotes
Nicholas W.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
16 upvotes
Jayden Ramirez
seconding this
13 upvotes
Harper Williams
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great sushi places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
13 upvotes
Alexa Perez
Came here for school and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market is honestly surprisingly good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Mackenzie Castillo
hard disagree but ok
13 upvotes
Austin Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are wild, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Vivian
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Margaret R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are developing, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
ladude2021
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is improving in most areas.
9 upvotes
Evelyn Mendoza
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
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