The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. Thoughts? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
2 upvotes
12 Replies
Quinn Harris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Riverside and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Baltimore, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
34 upvotes
Emma White
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Jace Peterson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
26 upvotes
Alexander Martin
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The public transit is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
26 upvotes
Sharon M.
Bought a house here in 2023 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
26 upvotes
Peyton Roberts
same here
19 upvotes
Mason Chavez
Used to live on the East side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
19 upvotes
Greyson G.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Evelyn Ortiz
this is the way
15 upvotes
Luna Young
same here
15 upvotes
Chloe Garcia
underrated comment
10 upvotes
Caroline Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 1 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Midtown and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Baltimore, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
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