Anyone else feel this way? I'm a 34-year-old writer and The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. What do you all think?
7 upvotes
8 Replies
Nathan Campbell
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 33, moved here 8 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, 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 hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 San Francisco, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
36 upvotes
Willow Green
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Audrey
been saying this for years
34 upvotes
Gabriella Kim
glad someone said it
28 upvotes
Ava Myers
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Luca James
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cultural scene. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Delilah Williams
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
19 upvotes
Leonardo Jimenez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Riverside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
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. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for families. decent vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Dallas, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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