First post here. Military spouse here. You can expect to pay around $1,311 for rent here. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Any advice would be great.
28 upvotes
6 Replies
Elizabeth Lopez
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
25 upvotes
Ezekiel Baker
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Lakewood area are improving. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
mesa_vivian
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Dating scene is rough. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Stella
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Jonathan Bailey
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 5 years. Moved from Portland for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains 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 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. Nightlife is limited. Bugs and humidity in summer. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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