Anyone else feel this way? Homes are going for about $383,100 on average. Does this match your experience?
7 upvotes
7 Replies
Declan N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in North and Old Town, 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 challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The housing market situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Houston, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
39 upvotes
Eliana Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely decent and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (South) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
39 upvotes
William Richardson
underrated comment
28 upvotes
Emily R.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are wild. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Nicholas Ortiz
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 8 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. retail 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is solid - 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 solid. 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Riley Martinez
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 10 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Autumn C.
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.