First post here. Median household income is $116,549, which feels pretty solid for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Marlboro sits at 300.1 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 3,959 people. Homes are going for about $352,200 on average. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
0 upvotes
12 Replies
Alice
honestly same experience here
40 upvotes
brooklyn_soul
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Seattle about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Amy G.
I've lived in Uptown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good schools in most areas
- The safety scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Ezra L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 28, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. solid vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 LA, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K 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.
36 upvotes
Hannah Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from Seattle for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are improving. 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 high-paying job options. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Valentina Diaz
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
32 upvotes
Jeremiah King
it depends on the neighborhood
25 upvotes
Bella White
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
James Rivera
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Connor W.
as a local I can confirm
19 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is solid in most areas.
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