Hey everyone, My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,378 for rent here. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
3 upvotes
3 Replies
Emma Collins
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 3 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Springfield and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Four distinct seasons
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The food scene situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Springfield: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
32 upvotes
Jayden Hughes
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
20 upvotes
Roman Bennett
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The pet-friendliness scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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