I relocated for work and Average temperature is around 71--F, so it's warm year-round. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
7 Replies
Greyson Bennett
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 Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. 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. East schools are average. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Gloria C.
nah I disagree
22 upvotes
Emily F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 26, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Downtown and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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
Valentina R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market 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.
13 upvotes
Isaiah C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Oak Park. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in legal. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
Julie M.
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The nightlife is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
11 upvotes
Mason Ward
I've been living here for 15 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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