Not sure if this has been asked before, but I'm a remote worker and Homes are going for about $510,400 on average. Rent is about $1,713/month for a decent place. With a population of 85,455, Auburn is a smaller city. Poverty rate is 5.7%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Am I wrong here? Thanks in advance! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up.
3 upvotes
29 Replies
caleb_papa
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
Carter
glad someone said it
37 upvotes
Julia L.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much established but now it's excellent.
36 upvotes
Sebastian
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
35 upvotes
Leah
couldn't agree more
34 upvotes
Nevaeh Anderson
I'm a real estate agent and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
30 upvotes
Riley Perez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 4 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
30 upvotes
Joseph N.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely tough and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Old Town) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
26 upvotes
Mason Patel
yep
26 upvotes
Michael Hughes
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 36, moved here 14 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in South and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for remote workers. excellent 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 Nashville, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
26 upvotes
Carson White
not my experience at all
25 upvotes
Bryan E.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The weather scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for young professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Delilah Nguyen
Moved here from New York about 4 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to outdoor recreation but Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Jordan Castillo
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
22 upvotes
Isaiah Thompson
preach
21 upvotes
Dylan R.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much established but now it's tough.
20 upvotes
Ezekiel Morales
exactly what I was thinking
18 upvotes
Addison Y.
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Nova L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 12 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
miami_lillian
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 33, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Eastside and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Good healthcare facilities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 Dallas, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
14 upvotes
Clara Anderson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 7 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
12 upvotes
Dominic
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
6 upvotes
Melanie White
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
6 upvotes
Ezra Ramirez
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
5 upvotes
madelyn_heart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are competitive, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. No regrets on my end..
4 upvotes
happy_angel67
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 14 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
4 upvotes
Elena Reyes
been saying this for years
4 upvotes
born_rylee41
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 7 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Definitely worth checking out..
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