So, Poverty rate is 13.0%, which is around average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What do you all think? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
11 Replies
Melanie Walker
I've lived in East for about 3 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 Minneapolis, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
30 upvotes
Olivia
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Jose Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
23 upvotes
Katherine B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Salt Lake City it's solid.
18 upvotes
Ian Walker
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
9 upvotes
Abigail Perez
noted, appreciate it
8 upvotes
Harper R.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Ezra Rodriguez
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
Ellie Price
exactly what I was thinking
4 upvotes
Wyatt Stewart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 14 years. Moved from Boston for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
vegas_chloe
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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