Hey everyone, I'm a college student here and Would love some local perspective. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
6 upvotes
7 Replies
James Lopez
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
38 upvotes
Thomas
My experience has been mostly positive. the quality of life is solid. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
34 upvotes
Nova Diaz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Aria Kelly
honestly same experience here
22 upvotes
ezra_lover
Came here for my partner's job and stayed because I love the pace of life here. The cultural scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
19 upvotes
Robert Garcia
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 25, moved here 12 years ago from New York. I've lived in Highland and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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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