Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $1,786 for rent here. With a population of 28,624, Carney is a smaller city. It's a a smaller city city with about 28,624 people. Poverty rate is 7.9%, which is pretty low. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
14 upvotes
14 Replies
Eliana Morales
yeah no that's not right
39 upvotes
William Evans
Used to live on the Midtown side, now on the Oak Park side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
34 upvotes
Kayden Davis
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Portland it's hit or miss.
34 upvotes
Lucas
I've lived in Lakewood for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- The job market scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
34 upvotes
Mackenzie Evans
hard disagree but ok
32 upvotes
Connor Williams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Ellie Parker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Caleb Roberts
Bought a house here in 2016 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
23 upvotes
Kaylee M.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Italian places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
23 upvotes
Leonardo Edwards
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Rylee Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 44, moved here 10 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Eastside and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Raleigh, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
16 upvotes
Emilia Hernandez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
12 upvotes
Hudson Perez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is school system. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.