Hi all, Been living here since 2011. Poverty rate is 4.9%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $1,998/month for a decent place. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
99 upvotes
4 Replies
Maverick Myers
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
35 upvotes
Nicholas F.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
34 upvotes
Mason Gray
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much developing but now it's tough.
32 upvotes
Jose P.
I've lived in Eastside for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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