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Isla J. housing

Cost of living reality check -Simonton

Curious what people think. We have two kids and
8 upvotes

4 Replies

stl_luna
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Liam
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Raleigh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.

Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options

Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough

Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is excellent.

Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Jaxon G.
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The community vibe is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Mason Reyes
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. East schools are surprisingly good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
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