Longtime lurker here, The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
6 Replies
Zoe Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 24, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Greenfield and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. hit or miss 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
38 upvotes
Johnny T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 4 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Not very walkable outside downtown. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Ezra Jackson
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
34 upvotes
Isla
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Baltimore about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Naomi Young
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
17 upvotes
mountain_hunter72
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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