Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2019. Poverty rate is 20.7%, which is higher than I expected. You can expect to pay around $1,224 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 6.3%, which is concerning. The median home value here is around $122,500, which is actually reasonable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
5 upvotes
9 Replies
Thomas Y.
bump
37 upvotes
Naomi Brooks
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Samuel Garcia
underrated comment
17 upvotes
Ellie Diaz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Joseph Ortiz
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Aubrey
literally same
10 upvotes
Camila Allen
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Charles H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 54, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Midtown and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. tough vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
3 upvotes
Mackenzie Clark
I've lived in Eastside for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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