Curious what people think. I'm a college student here and Poverty rate is 16.1%, which is higher than I expected. Crime rate is something to consider -Mission sits at 122.5 per 100K. Median household income is $60,813, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 77--F, so it's warm year-round. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
william_mind
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2015 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. legal 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 improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Eastside schools are surprisingly 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. Limited public transit options. Road conditions need improvement. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Amelia Smith
I've lived in Sunset for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The community vibe scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
33 upvotes
Eva Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 57, moved here 7 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Eastside and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Denver, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.