Been meaning to ask this. My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $948 for rent here. The median home value here is around $135,700, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Has anyone dealt with this? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
5 upvotes
5 Replies
Jayden Diaz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
37 upvotes
Bella White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
26 upvotes
Jonathan Cox
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 15 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
23 upvotes
Scarlett Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely hit or miss and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Fairview) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
22 upvotes
Elijah Carter
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
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