Military spouse here. The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
14 Replies
Nevaeh Clark
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Weston Sanders
same here
36 upvotes
Alexa Ramirez
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
32 upvotes
Evan Robinson
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
Ian
I've lived in Eastside for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Landon Phillips
this is the way
24 upvotes
Wyatt Foster
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The traffic is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
21 upvotes
Peter R.
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
20 upvotes
Elizabeth Torres
Saving this thread
18 upvotes
Joshua
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Carson Lee
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Melanie Kelly
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Francisco about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Jack Lopez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Nicholas
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.