Been meaning to ask this. I'm a teacher here and Median household income is $61,598, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $933/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $295,300 on average. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Good schools
- Diverse community
- Lots of new development
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Not enough green space
What would you do? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Bryan C.
yeah no that's not right
37 upvotes
houston_zoe
I've lived in Highland for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Jace P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is underrated.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
milwaukee_jackson
I've lived in East for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Joan W.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cost of living used to be much reasonable but now it's pretty good.
28 upvotes
Aaliyah N.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 7 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**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:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - 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 challenging. 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Silas Parker
spot on
26 upvotes
Connor Richardson
We moved here with our family and I genuinely enjoy living here. Schools in Springfield area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
22 upvotes
Zoe Wright
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 15 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Christian Ward
spot on
12 upvotes
Isaiah Cooper
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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