So, Been living here since 2008. It's a a small town city with about 10,046 people. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. Any advice would be great. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
2 upvotes
9 Replies
James R.
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
38 upvotes
Oliver Miller
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Old Town. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
hunter_vibes
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Miami about 5 years ago. The main reasons were work and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are manageable, gas is solid.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
joseph_life
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 13 years ago from LA. I've lived in Pine Hills and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. average 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Leah Ramirez
literally same
24 upvotes
Miles Jimenez
good to know, thanks
22 upvotes
Mateo Watson
I work in government here and I genuinely enjoy living here. The job market for my field is challenging. Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Eliana Smith
preach
1 upvotes
Sophia Scott
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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