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mesa_jaxon housing

Rent vs buy in Union Park -what makes sense?

Hey, There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Let me know your thoughts. TIA!
4 upvotes

3 Replies

Thomas Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.

I've been here 8 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Alice P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 6 years. Moved from Minneapolis for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have state parks 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 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. Can feel isolated. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Cooper Clark
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.

I'm a chef who relocated here from Baltimore about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.

Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights

Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated

Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is underrated.

Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Feel free to reach out with questions..
13 upvotes
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