Longtime lurker here, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and You can expect to pay around $1,115 for rent here. Median household income is $67,558, which feels about average for the area. Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to.
27 upvotes
8 Replies
Kyle P.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
40 upvotes
Adam Lee
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 58, moved here 7 years ago from LA. I've lived in Downtown and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The dating scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for singles. solid 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $80K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
36 upvotes
Isabelle Morales
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Highland area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Lydia Martinez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 3 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are reasonable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Jean S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
24 upvotes
Thomas
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Indian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
16 upvotes
Wesley Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 2 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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