So, Poverty rate is 3.1%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Anyone in a similar situation? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
0 upvotes
15 Replies
matthew_lover
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 15 years. Moved from Portland for weather. 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 down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Katherine
Moved here from Salt Lake City about 10 years ago. I have mixed feelings honestly. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Stella James
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Houston about 10 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are growing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Ella Taylor
Can confirm, been here 4 years.
37 upvotes
Everly Ward
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is dating scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Roman
hmm interesting perspective
18 upvotes
Valentina Wood
this is the way
17 upvotes
raised_madelyn57
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 31, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Uptown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The community vibe situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
16 upvotes
Nathan R.
accurate
15 upvotes
Abigail Ward
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Korean.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
11 upvotes
charlottesoul2022
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Boston for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
10 upvotes
Cora
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
4 upvotes
Isaiah Morgan
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Kennedy Torres
this is the way
3 upvotes
Charlotte R.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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