Longtime lurker here, Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Is this normal for Broussard?
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Ezra Clark
+1
40 upvotes
Xavier Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from Denver about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Brian R.
interesting, hadn't considered that
30 upvotes
Christian Brown
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
David Martinez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Dallas it's hit or miss.
22 upvotes
Josiah Parker
100%
19 upvotes
Caleb Carter
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 24, moved here 3 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Highland and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K 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.
14 upvotes
Naomi Robinson
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Affordable housing options
- The housing market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Aaron J.
I'm a software engineer and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
10 upvotes
Leah Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Oak Park for 2 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Oak Park schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
nolafan2023
seconding this
6 upvotes
Andrew Ward
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if healthcare matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
5 upvotes
Aurora Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.