First post here. The unemployment rate is 1.5%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Redland sits at 303.7 per 100K. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I overthinking this?
14 upvotes
14 Replies
Allison B.
I've lived in East for about 13 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Alice
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Springfield) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Carson Rivera
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 52, moved here 3 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Lakewood and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited public transit options
3. The food scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Tampa, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
38 upvotes
oaklandgirl2022
+1
38 upvotes
Jonathan Murphy
100%
33 upvotes
Evan B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 1 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Downtown and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Tampa, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
30 upvotes
Thomas Rodriguez
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great seafood places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
29 upvotes
Ariana Cox
haha yep pretty much
24 upvotes
Elizabeth
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 13 years. Moved from Tampa for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
connor_walker
I work in manufacturing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is tough. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Connor H.
Came here for retirement and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The dating scene is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Julia Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Baltimore about 9 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Four distinct seasons
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Nova H.
hmm interesting perspective
3 upvotes
Ariana Gomez
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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