Alright, Been living here since 2017. Poverty rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $555,800 on average. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
29 upvotes
15 Replies
Piper H.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to New York it's average.
35 upvotes
Benjamin
exactly what I was thinking
34 upvotes
Adam Hall
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Kinsley Turner
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
31 upvotes
Isaac Ramirez
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Willow P.
I'm a contractor and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
Cora
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if school system matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
21 upvotes
Luca Thomas
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
18 upvotes
Michael T.
yeah no that's not right
18 upvotes
Claire Garcia
yep
15 upvotes
Riley Lee
seconding this
15 upvotes
Julia
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Boston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Maverick Alvarez
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much competitive but now it's tough.
15 upvotes
Patricia N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 52, moved here 4 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good internet infrastructure
2. Diverse dining options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. average vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: 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 Boston, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
13 upvotes
Olivia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to Miami it's solid.
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