Longtime lurker here, Rent is about $2,293/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $128,616 in Lake Arbor. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Let me know your thoughts. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
11 Replies
Logan Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 7 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Savannah Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in South and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Nashville, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
39 upvotes
Roman Adams
Bought a house here in 2019 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
39 upvotes
Wesley Lewis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is solid in most areas.
31 upvotes
cincy_andrew
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Gianna L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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 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. Limited public transit options. Dating scene is rough. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
Benjamin P.
lol so true
21 upvotes
Camila M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 7 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Uptown 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
John M.
I work in manufacturing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is improving. No regrets on my end..
8 upvotes
Margaret O.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Pittsburgh it's tough.
8 upvotes
Abigail J.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.