I'm a 28-year-old marketing manager and The median home value here is around $360,100, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, which is pretty low. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
3 upvotes
7 Replies
Violet Flores
seconding this
35 upvotes
Lucy T.
underrated comment
32 upvotes
Mia H.
Totally agree!
25 upvotes
Ian Williams
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Kelly E.
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
15 upvotes
Elijah G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 28, moved here 2 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for retirees. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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