Hey, We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $1,043 for rent here. Homes are going for about $162,600 on average. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Any advice would be great. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
21 upvotes
3 Replies
Aria Young
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 52, moved here 9 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in The Heights and Lakewood, 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. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for singles. solid vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Nashville, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
23 upvotes
Luke Harris
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 weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails 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 decent. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
6 upvotes
Ava Rogers
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Old Town area are average. Kids love it here.
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