Longtime lurker here, I'm a college student here and Median household income is $109,511, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,286/month for a decent place. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
35 upvotes
2 Replies
emma_dude
wish I knew this sooner
40 upvotes
Charlotte Lewis
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 10 years. Moved from Seattle for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 surprisingly good. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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