My partner and I are It's a a small town city with about 1,134 people. Poverty rate is 14.6%, which is around average. You can expect to pay around $835 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. What do you all think? TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up.
6 upvotes
3 Replies
Evelyn Richardson
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 6 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's competitive 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 surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Caleb Johnson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 44, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in Lakewood and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
5 upvotes
Emily Edwards
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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