OK so I work in manufacturing and The median home value here is around $516,200, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Does this match your experience? The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
7 upvotes
10 Replies
Weston R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from San Francisco about 15 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is challenging.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Happy to answer more specific questions..
38 upvotes
Carson K.
lol so true
36 upvotes
atl_kai
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Mia Moore
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value housing market, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job 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.
28 upvotes
eliana_fan
Bought a house here in 2022 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
21 upvotes
Joyce F.
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Miles Walker
I've lived in Lakewood for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
- The public transit scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Lisa B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
16 upvotes
Madelyn Cook
bump
15 upvotes
Madeline
I've lived in Riverside for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is improving
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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