Hey folks, Just moved here 12 months ago and You can expect to pay around $2,127 for rent here. Poverty rate is 4.7%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Amelia Chavez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (East) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
36 upvotes
eva_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 8 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. consulting 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 genuinely enjoy living here. 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 better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Alexander Campbell
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to school system but Definitely worth checking out..
27 upvotes
Madeline Foster
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
26 upvotes
Thomas M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 44, moved here 5 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 New York, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
23 upvotes
Skylar Evans
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Jace Wright
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Houston about 1 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
13 upvotes
Eleanor Roberts
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Lily
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
