Random thought, I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $62,019 in Walnut. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. What would you do? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Lillian R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely challenging and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Old Town) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
mason_dude
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 Nashville for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking 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 pretty good. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited entertainment options. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Abigail Evans
+1
38 upvotes
Alice Flores
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Peyton Lopez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 5 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2019 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. South schools are underrated. 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. Property taxes are high. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Oliver H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely better than expected and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Grace T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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 improving - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside 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. Limited high-paying job options. Property taxes are high. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Kai Mitchell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 45, moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Old Town and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Affordable housing options
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
19 upvotes
Aurora Peterson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 8 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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