Just moved here 1 months ago and Poverty rate is 5.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. The median home value here is around $637,600, which is pretty steep. Household incomes average around $136,173 in Merrifield. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. TIA! The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
10 Replies
miles_walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 6 years. Moved from Portland for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is tough - we have national forests 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 excellent. 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. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
noladude2024
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to LA it's excellent.
30 upvotes
Katherine C.
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
true_sarah38
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Naomi Myers
nah I disagree
18 upvotes
Quinn R.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
15 upvotes
Jackson Walker
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
9 upvotes
Jayden Evans
lol so true
9 upvotes
Sarah R.
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much wild but now it's improving.
All Countries
