Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2005. You can expect to pay around $1,426 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? Thanks! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Kennedy N.
nah I disagree
38 upvotes
Ezekiel Nelson
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
37 upvotes
Madeline Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 15 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. education 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 hiking trails 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 average. 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. Nightlife is limited. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Kennedy Cruz
I work in hospitality here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Definitely worth checking out..
30 upvotes
Lucy L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
David
glad someone said it
21 upvotes
Everly Robinson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 35, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K 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.
19 upvotes
Eugene R.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much wild but now it's better than expected.
17 upvotes
Elena Garcia
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. the quality of life is solid. Internet is underrated in most areas.
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