Anyone else feel this way? I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 6.3%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $2,234/month for a decent place. It's a a small town city with about 13,336 people. Median household income is $117,750, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
hudson_vibes
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to San Francisco it's better than expected.
34 upvotes
Cooper Jones
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Springfield. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Evan G.
Saving this thread
25 upvotes
Willow Murphy
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Cheryl M.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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