I've been here for 20 years and Median household income is $138,385, which feels pretty solid for the area. You can expect to pay around $2,269 for rent here. Rent is about $2,269/month for a decent place. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Worth the trade-offs? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Josiah Myers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 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. Can feel isolated. Dating scene is rough. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 5/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Cameron Chavez
spot on
27 upvotes
Kaylee W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Raleigh about 2 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Madelyn
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely average and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (The Heights) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Dallas, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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
Andrew
hmm interesting perspective
4 upvotes
happy_wyatt67
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 39, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Chicago, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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