Crime rate is something to consider -Marshalltown sits at 388.9 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 3.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 27,491 people. Average temperature is around 48--F, so expect cold winters. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Worth the trade-offs? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
30 upvotes
2 Replies
Abigail T.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Aaliyah Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from New York for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive 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. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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