Alright, I work in finance and Median household income is $64,585, which feels about average for the area. Rent is about $1,503/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Azalea Park sits at 274.3 per 100K. Homes are going for about $255,000 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
Pros:
- Nice parks and trails
- Good healthcare facilities
- Walkable downtown
Cons:
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
- Poor road conditions
- Far from major airports
- Not enough green space
Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
10 upvotes
15 Replies
Emilia M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
35 upvotes
Keith W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
Jonathan M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 14 years. Moved from Charlotte for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2022 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. consulting 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:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - 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. Uptown schools are hit or miss. 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 nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
20 upvotes
Isla Davis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 34, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Uptown and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The cultural scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
19 upvotes
Peyton E.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
sophia_chef
I work in manufacturing here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is average. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Ian T.
facts
16 upvotes
Cooper C.
interesting, hadn't considered that
16 upvotes
Gianna Jackson
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Oak Park area are improving. Kids love it here.
14 upvotes
mountain_nicholas40
yeah no that's not right
13 upvotes
Abigail Evans
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 32, moved here 5 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Greenfield and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited entertainment options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
12 upvotes
Axel King
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Strong job market in several industries
- The dating scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Jose Ross
Moved here from Charlotte about 15 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to food scene but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
nyc_thomas
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is improving in most areas.
3 upvotes
Isaac Reyes
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are manageable. You get used to it after the first year.
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