First post here. I'm a 26-year-old contractor and The median home value here is around $189,800, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 14.3%, which is around average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Should I be concerned? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
5 Replies
Aubrey Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 13 years. Moved from San Diego for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
legal is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have lakes 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. Dating scene is rough. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Gloria P.
great question, following
38 upvotes
Levi
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 9 years here, that's my honest assessment.
31 upvotes
Kayla S.
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Jack Lopez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 13 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
All Countries
