Hey folks, My family moved here when I was a kid. Homes are going for about $377,000 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance! It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
4 upvotes
10 Replies
Andrew Hernandez
great question, following
35 upvotes
Russell K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 9 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Brielle C.
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The job market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Olivia B.
I'm a chef and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
17 upvotes
Sadie C.
I work in healthcare here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is pretty good. Hope this helps!.
15 upvotes
Adam J.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Chicago it's excellent.
9 upvotes
Jace Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. I genuinely enjoy living here. Worth doing your research before committing.
8 upvotes
raised_genesis21
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 3 years. Moved from Charlotte for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is average - 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 decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Chain restaurants dominate. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Nathan Morales
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 34, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
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. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The traffic situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. challenging 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 Miami, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
4 upvotes
David Martin
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
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