I'm a remote worker and Average temperature is around 58--F, so the weather is moderate. It's a a small town city with about 1,619 people. The median home value here is around $381,900, which seems about average. Homes are going for about $381,900 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Great weather
- Close to nature
- Lots of new development
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Cold winters
- High property taxes
- Chain restaurants dominate
Worth the trade-offs? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development.
6 upvotes
12 Replies
Hazel Cooper
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Portland about 14 years ago. The main reasons were family and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
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 established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Xavier C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 6 years. Moved from Charlotte for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are excellent. 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 high-paying job options. Homeless population growing downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Isabelle L.
I've lived in East for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The public transit scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Nathan Ramirez
Totally agree!
24 upvotes
Leonardo Garcia
been saying this for years
23 upvotes
Benjamin Alvarez
I've lived in East for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The pet-friendliness scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
21 upvotes
Emma White
following this thread
20 upvotes
Skylar Green
accurate
13 upvotes
Quinn Roberts
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Julian
great question, following
12 upvotes
Madeline H.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Maya
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
