Random thought, My partner and I are Average temperature is around 51°F, so expect cold winters. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What do you all think? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
46 upvotes
26 Replies
Kinsley Thomas
I work in retail here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is pretty good. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Natalie Chavez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it was the best decision I ever made.
40 upvotes
Paisley Moore
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
tulsagirl2021
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much established but now it's pretty good.
32 upvotes
Eli White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 45, moved here 6 years ago from Atlanta. 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. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. underrated 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 Atlanta, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
31 upvotes
Eleanor C.
hard disagree but ok
31 upvotes
Jack Wright
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
28 upvotes
Oliver Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
28 upvotes
Daniel R.
I've lived in Downtown for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The outdoor recreation scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
26 upvotes
Debra L.
haha yep pretty much
26 upvotes
Cora Brown
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
26 upvotes
Jayden Ross
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
George O.
glad someone said it
20 upvotes
axel_heart
Used to live on the Uptown side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
19 upvotes
Jackson Allen
this is the way
19 upvotes
Bennett Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Diego about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are established, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Aaron R.
I work in legal here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is average. No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Mateo Stewart
nah I disagree
12 upvotes
Mackenzie Reed
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The weather is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
11 upvotes
Lucas Cook
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Maple Ridge side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
11 upvotes
Emilia H.
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Springfield area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Serenity Mitchell
it depends on the neighborhood
11 upvotes
Alice Turner
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 1 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Strong job market in several industries
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Caleb Wilson
yep
9 upvotes
Lucas Hall
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market is honestly improving and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Eleanor
I've lived in South for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
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