So, Household incomes average around $53,151 in Athens. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Any advice would be great. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
15 upvotes
13 Replies
nyclocal2020
yep
37 upvotes
Eleanor W.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Decent public transit for the size
- The walkability scene is improving
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Gabriella Gutierrez
nah I disagree
33 upvotes
milwaukeechef2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 40, moved here 11 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Highland and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Atlanta, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K 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.
28 upvotes
Aubrey M.
been saying this for years
28 upvotes
Emily Mendoza
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Aiden S.
+1
25 upvotes
Alice Martinez
Totally agree!
20 upvotes
Maya Wilson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
10 upvotes
Landon Nguyen
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. nightlife used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
10 upvotes
Wyatt Garcia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from San Francisco about 2 years ago. The main reasons were weather and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Lillian Kelly
I'm a contractor and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
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