We have two kids and Rent is about $1,242/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 4.3%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 32,924 people. The unemployment rate is 1.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The weather takes some getting used to. Should I be concerned? Thanks! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
13 upvotes
16 Replies
Ellie H.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
38 upvotes
Jack Long
Moved here from Nashville about 3 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to food scene but It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
phillymama2024
wish I knew this sooner
29 upvotes
Adeline R.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much stable but now it's decent.
26 upvotes
Clara Hall
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 4 years. Moved from Austin for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are solid. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Willow Cook
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Charlotte it's solid.
22 upvotes
Cameron H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Atlanta it's solid.
20 upvotes
Everly Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 27, moved here 4 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Sunset and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
14 upvotes
Sofia Moore
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The safety is solid compared to other places I've lived. Overall Definitely worth checking out..
13 upvotes
Camila Phillips
I work in real estate here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is improving. Hope this helps!.
11 upvotes
Scarlett Allen
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Portland it's challenging.
11 upvotes
Clara T.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The school system is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Downtown) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
9 upvotes
Luna Cox
Bought a house here in 2024 and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
8 upvotes
Nora Perez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 48, moved here 14 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Atlanta, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
5 upvotes
Charlotte
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Seattle it's challenging.
All Countries
