OK so You can expect to pay around $1,742 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. What would you do?
29 upvotes
21 Replies
Hannah Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 13 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is average.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Natalie R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Valentina Watson
hard disagree but ok
35 upvotes
atl_asher
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
brooklyn_living
literally same
33 upvotes
Dylan Jones
wish I knew this sooner
33 upvotes
Lucy Lee
interesting, hadn't considered that
25 upvotes
Joseph Allen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is tough - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are surprisingly good. 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. Dating scene is rough. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Luca
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Minneapolis for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are improving. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Urban sprawl is real. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
houston_andrew
been saying this for years
21 upvotes
lake_maverick95
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in South. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is established right now, especially in real estate. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Stella Long
interesting, hadn't considered that
16 upvotes
ruby_heart
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from LA for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are tough. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Eli Harris
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
James Castillo
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Mason G.
Moved here from New York about 10 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to weather but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
cincylocal2025
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 15 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Pine Hills side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
chicago_everett
hard disagree but ok
2 upvotes
Delilah Brooks
Bought a house here in 2018 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
2 upvotes
Rylee Morales
wish I knew this sooner
1 upvotes
Leo M.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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