Anyone else feel this way? We have two kids and Rent is about $896/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $159,500 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
13 upvotes
4 Replies
Emilia Thompson
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
37 upvotes
Joyce R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Sofia Rivera
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And cost of living 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.
34 upvotes
Evelyn S.
I'm a writer and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
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