I grew up here but left for a while. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 36,353 people. The suburbs are where most families end up. TIA! Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
30 upvotes
14 Replies
Riley Diaz
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
milwaukeewalker2021
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
urban_brooklyn15
bump
34 upvotes
Ariana Torres
this is the way
31 upvotes
Lucas Clark
I work in real estate here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
27 upvotes
Brooks Moore
preach
26 upvotes
lake_caroline44
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Elijah Bennett
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 51, moved here 15 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The nightlife situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for retirees. surprisingly good 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 Atlanta, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
Theodore Taylor
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
Connor Carter
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Downtown side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Brooklyn Evans
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
10 upvotes
Miles Nelson
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Allison Clark
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Mexican places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
1 upvotes
sunny_adeline89
The food scene here is solid. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
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