Hey everyone, I work in hospitality and You can expect to pay around $2,052 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
56 upvotes
14 Replies
Genesis Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in East. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
40 upvotes
Arianna M.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Michael Thompson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from Minneapolis for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are pretty good. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Chain restaurants dominate. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Roman Mitchell
wish I knew this sooner
25 upvotes
Hudson Kim
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Autumn Brown
yep
20 upvotes
Ariana G.
couldn't agree more
18 upvotes
Everett G.
lol so true
16 upvotes
Luna Foster
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
15 upvotes
Benjamin G.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
mesamind2025
Used to live on the Cedar Grove side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I genuinely enjoy living here.
6 upvotes
Madelyn Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Seattle about 2 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Hope this helps!.
2 upvotes
dcliving2021
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Salt Lake City and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in education. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
0 upvotes
Hazel
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
All Countries
