Curious what people think. You can expect to pay around $1,742 for rent here. Average temperature is around 54--F, so expect cold winters. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
8 upvotes
10 Replies
Sadie
100%
32 upvotes
Emily G.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. I have mixed feelings honestly. Compared to Portland it's improving.
21 upvotes
Alexa
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
20 upvotes
milwaukee_jackson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
12 upvotes
Sophie Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Lakewood and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Miami, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
9 upvotes
Joseph G.
+1
9 upvotes
Julia L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 15 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Ariana Patel
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Boston about 5 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are pricey, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Definitely worth checking out..
6 upvotes
Addison Williams
bump
6 upvotes
Wyatt Ortiz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want housing market, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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