Longtime lurker here, Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. What would you do?
14 upvotes
10 Replies
Skylar Price
accurate
40 upvotes
Amelia Ruiz
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely tough and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Eastside) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
34 upvotes
Daniel James
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 41, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in East and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
31 upvotes
Caleb Jackson
This.
29 upvotes
Gabriella Morris
bump
26 upvotes
Dylan Brooks
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Isaiah W.
it depends on the neighborhood
19 upvotes
Amelia R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Eastside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in retail. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Daniel K.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.