Not sure if this has been asked before, but Just moved here 13 months ago and Median household income is $141,429, which feels pretty solid for the area. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cheers. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
Piper W.
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
38 upvotes
Santiago Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 45, moved here 12 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The food scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K 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.
29 upvotes
James W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes 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 excellent. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Quinn Rodriguez
I'm a software engineer and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
jaxvibes2023
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Aaron Cox
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Chicago it's decent.
9 upvotes
David Gray
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Cedar Grove area are decent. Kids love it here.
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