I'm a teacher here and Rent is about $1,495/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here? Any help is appreciated. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
25 upvotes
10 Replies
Hazel Clark
I work in consulting here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is improving. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Zoe
underrated comment
36 upvotes
Sophie Stewart
I've lived in Highland for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Avery Morris
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2024 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. construction 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have hiking trails 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Benjamin Smith
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
Caroline Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from Baltimore for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have desert landscapes 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. Limited public transit options. Summers can be brutally hot. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Ellie M.
This.
8 upvotes
Eleanor Perez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in The Heights. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in marketing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Hope this helps!.
7 upvotes
Ezekiel Price
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 25, moved here 7 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. underrated 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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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