I'm retired and Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Is this normal for Chubbuck? The city has invested a lot in new development.
13 upvotes
10 Replies
Axel Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Minneapolis it's surprisingly good.
35 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 34, moved here 14 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Maple Ridge and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
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. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 growing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Nathan Gutierrez
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
28 upvotes
Austin M.
I work in marketing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is tough. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
28 upvotes
Aubrey
honestly same experience here
23 upvotes
Jonathan Price
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (West) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
20 upvotes
Ava Cruz
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much growing but now it's pretty good.
16 upvotes
Silas Thomas
big facts right here
4 upvotes
Samuel W.
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Asian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
3 upvotes
Arianna
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 4 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. real estate 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have mountains 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 pretty good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Not very walkable outside downtown. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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