I'm originally from Las Vegas and Median household income is $51,468, which feels on the lower side for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation?
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Hannah
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests 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 decent. 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. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Ellie Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 28, moved here 6 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Tampa, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
38 upvotes
Zoey
I've lived in Greenfield for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is tough
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
Hunter Adams
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
30 upvotes
Parker T.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Minneapolis about 12 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are wild, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Grayson Wilson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from New York about 5 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Addison R.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Phoenix it's decent.
16 upvotes
Joseph Morales
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is challenging in most areas.
14 upvotes
Elena Jackson
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Midtown area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
8 upvotes
Jace Myers
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The cost of living scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..