Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2011. You can expect to pay around $1,151 for rent here. Homes are going for about $502,500 on average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Let me know your thoughts.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Nolan R.
hard disagree but ok
36 upvotes
nyc_william
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much developing but now it's challenging.
32 upvotes
Lisa W.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Luna Castillo
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
27 upvotes
mia_vibes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 30, moved here 3 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Pine Hills and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Chicago, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K 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.
25 upvotes
Asher Phillips
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
24 upvotes
Ian S.
following this thread
20 upvotes
Caroline Taylor
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much manageable but now it's surprisingly good.
9 upvotes
Nathan Hill
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Sunset area are average. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Eliana Turner
Totally agree!
8 upvotes
Daniel T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Nashville for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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 hit or miss. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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