Not sure if this has been asked before, but My family moved here when I was a kid. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here?
36 upvotes
3 Replies
Allison Turner
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Sunset. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in engineering. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Hazel Cook
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
12 upvotes
stlrider2021
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 3 years. Moved from LA for work. 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. tech 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is decent - 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. East 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. Property taxes are high. Limited shopping options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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