Considering Reading vs San Francisco -help me decide
Alright, Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $741,100 on average. Rent is about $1,722/month for a decent place. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
22 Replies
Camila King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Houston about 9 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
39 upvotes
Jace Stewart
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
Waylon Walker
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
37 upvotes
Sadie S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 1 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. education 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 exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Eastside 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Summers can be brutally hot. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Arianna Perez
glad someone said it
34 upvotes
David Parker
I've lived in Eastside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
charlottemind2020
Totally agree!
32 upvotes
Addison R.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The safety scene is decent
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
phillykid2022
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Eastside. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Jameson Bailey
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Kayden
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is average
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Maverick Morales
seconding this
25 upvotes
Sophie C.
Came here for family and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
23 upvotes
Liam Hall
following this thread
23 upvotes
Austin Gutierrez
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Jackson Hall
spot on
12 upvotes
Clara Thomas
+1
11 upvotes
Zoey C.
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Brittany H.
100%
10 upvotes
Skylar Murphy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 11 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
David G.
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Thai places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
6 upvotes
Stella Brown
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 12 years. Moved from Houston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly 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:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are tough. 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. Limited public transit options. Winters are long and cold. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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