Hi all, You can expect to pay around $2,338 for rent here. The median home value here is around $1,810,200, which is pretty steep. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development.
5 upvotes
12 Replies
Levi Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 7 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is decent.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
40 upvotes
Adeline
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Landon Hall
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Cedar Grove. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 3 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Thai.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
27 upvotes
Genesis
I've lived in Eastside for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The healthcare scene is solid
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Gabriel Campbell
hmm interesting perspective
23 upvotes
Aurora Green
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Teresa M.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Nolan Gonzalez
I'm a electrician and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
George T.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in East and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for families. solid 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K 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.
5 upvotes
Brielle Long
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Paisley T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Cedar Grove side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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