Hi all, Rent is about $2,909/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $908,600 on average. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What would you do? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
22 upvotes
13 Replies
Kai Wilson
yeah no that's not right
37 upvotes
wild_julian81
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 better than expected and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (The Heights) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Traffic during rush hour is rough.
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.
36 upvotes
Leo Cook
100%
35 upvotes
Hailey Carter
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
35 upvotes
Arianna W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Austin about 8 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Everett G.
I've lived in Eastside for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Four distinct seasons
- Good airport with direct flights
- The housing market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Winters are long and cold
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Amelia W.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in marketing. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Hope this helps!.
22 upvotes
Victoria Watson
facts
19 upvotes
Allison
I'm a project manager and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is tough and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Andrew Lee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Nashville for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Urban sprawl is real. Limited shopping options. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
13 upvotes
Evelyn M.
same here
11 upvotes
Jordan Adams
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Midtown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Connor Jimenez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 9 years. Moved from Austin for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are improving. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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