I'm a college student here and You can expect to pay around $1,709 for rent here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this? TIA! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Gabriel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Raleigh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were school and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Wesley Castillo
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
35 upvotes
isaac_mind
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Cora P.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is solid in most areas.
24 upvotes
Serenity Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 42, moved here 15 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Eastside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Eastside: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
22 upvotes
Adeline Diaz
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Lakewood area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Hannah Torres
Bought a house here in 2016 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
20 upvotes
Evan Sanchez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Avery B.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Abigail
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
Cameron Gomez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Riverside) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
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