Hello, The unemployment rate is 2.6%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts.
15 upvotes
15 Replies
Victoria A.
underrated comment
40 upvotes
Easton Rodriguez
thanks for sharing
37 upvotes
Miles Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Westside. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Thai.
Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
vegas_piper
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is solid
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
Hannah Jones
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 43, moved here 14 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in North and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Dating scene is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Alice Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 11 years. Moved from Miami for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Westside 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. Urban sprawl is real. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Clara Smith
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Emily Johnson
couldn't agree more
22 upvotes
Jason O.
Moved here from Atlanta about 15 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to pet-friendliness but Feel free to reach out with questions..
19 upvotes
Sofia D.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 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 Pittsburgh, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
18 upvotes
Isaac Lee
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is underrated in most areas.
8 upvotes
fresno_victoria
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Quinn Castillo
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is underrated. Definitely worth checking out..
7 upvotes
Zoe L.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are solid. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
John R.
I've lived in Springfield for about 13 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 LA, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The outdoor recreation scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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