Not sure if this has been asked before, but I work in finance and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
21 Replies
Lydia Howard
I've lived in East for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Sofia Martin
seconding this
34 upvotes
Paisley Bailey
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much stable but now it's excellent.
32 upvotes
Leo J.
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Elizabeth Cook
Moved here from LA about 7 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to healthcare but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Isla Green
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Hannah Davis
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
local_grace35
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if cultural scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
25 upvotes
Aubrey Carter
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
24 upvotes
local_quinn86
honestly same experience here
24 upvotes
Mason Mendoza
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Natalie Phillips
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Indian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
21 upvotes
Ethan Myers
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
lake_kai91
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 29, moved here 4 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in East and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
18 upvotes
Elena S.
I've lived in Riverside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The food scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
dclocal2020
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
11 upvotes
Andrew Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Kai Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Raleigh about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Dominic M.
not my experience at all
3 upvotes
Kinsley Brown
I've lived in East for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Miles Wood
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Old Town) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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