OK so I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Caledonia sits at 83.6 per 100K. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any help is appreciated. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
9 upvotes
7 Replies
Greyson Green
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Baltimore it's decent.
40 upvotes
Ellie L.
I've lived in West for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Close to major attractions
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for couples. Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Ruby Foster
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Allison Richardson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 31, moved here 8 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The public transit situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. improving vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Houston, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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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