You can expect to pay around $1,717 for rent here. Rent is about $1,717/month for a decent place. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I wrong here? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
24 upvotes
15 Replies
Eli F.
yeah no that's not right
36 upvotes
river_declan96
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 55, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 San Francisco, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
34 upvotes
Isaac Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 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:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Limited high-paying job options. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Charlotte S.
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Miles Torres
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into running, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Ellie
Public transit is pretty good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
27 upvotes
George P.
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
David Gray
same here
22 upvotes
Sofia Murphy
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely excellent and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. community vibe is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
21 upvotes
Leo Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Miami about 11 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are wild, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Violet Ramos
Bought a house here in 2017 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
15 upvotes
Eli Lopez
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Christian Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 41, moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Midtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. excellent 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
8 upvotes
Madeline Campbell
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
5 upvotes
John Roberts
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.