Not sure if this has been asked before, but Should I be concerned? Cheers.
25 upvotes
10 Replies
Leo Ramos
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to New York it's excellent.
39 upvotes
Elizabeth Patel
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Jameson Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from New York about 3 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Road conditions need improvement
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. No regrets on my end..
33 upvotes
Addison Anderson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 45, moved here 6 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 San Diego, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
28 upvotes
Angel K.
I work in engineering here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is better than expected. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
lapapa2021
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
13 upvotes
Savannah James
Moved here last year, no regrets.
7 upvotes
Audrey W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Seattle about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is average.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
6 upvotes
Jonathan Walker
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in East area are improving. Kids love it here.
3 upvotes
Nova H.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is job market. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.