We're a young couple and Rent is about $1,083/month for a decent place. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Ava B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 38, moved here 1 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited shopping options
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. 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 Chicago, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
37 upvotes
Jack F.
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Vietnamese places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
34 upvotes
Daniel Ross
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Gerald W.
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Clara Lopez
100%
29 upvotes
Nicole S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Westside. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in real estate. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Mackenzie F.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 34, moved here 12 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Downtown and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Seattle, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K 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.
27 upvotes
Carson Gutierrez
bump
19 upvotes
Kayden M.
Moved here from Baltimore about 8 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to school system but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Adeline
I've lived in West for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by food 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 food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
13 upvotes
William
Came here for school and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is honestly average and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Natalie Patel
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to Miami it's improving.
7 upvotes
Colton Gomez
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Uptown area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
6 upvotes
Brandon R.
I've lived in South for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
isla_guy
I've lived in Eastside for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
- The community vibe scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
