Hey everyone, I've been here for 16 years and Poverty rate is 5.5%, which is pretty low. The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. With a population of 58,287, St. Clair Shores is a smaller city. Household incomes average around $72,693 in St. Clair Shores. You can expect to pay around $1,143 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
1 upvotes
12 Replies
Harold H.
noted, appreciate it
40 upvotes
Easton Howard
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Natalie Moore
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
30 upvotes
Ruby Kelly
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
27 upvotes
Hunter Campbell
bump
24 upvotes
Leah Allen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Paisley Miller
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from LA about 14 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Eva Flores
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 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. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have hiking trails 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 hit or miss. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Michael Morgan
I've lived in East for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
- The community vibe scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
14 upvotes
Ellie Wright
I'm a electrician and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Mateo Ward
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The public transit is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Rylee Ramos
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.