First post here. I work in media and You can expect to pay around $1,813 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Poverty rate is 10.5%, which is around average. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Would love some local perspective. Any help is appreciated. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
11 upvotes
28 Replies
Owen Rodriguez
This.
39 upvotes
Willow Miller
it depends on the neighborhood
37 upvotes
Emily King
Saving this thread
36 upvotes
Leo Sanchez
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in West area are improving. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Ava Gomez
My experience has been mostly positive. I love the pace of life here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
35 upvotes
Emilia J.
As someone who grew up here, it exceeded my expectations. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much affordable but now it's surprisingly good.
33 upvotes
nashvilleheart2021
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Springfield area are tough. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Gabriel
Bought a house here in 2021 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
32 upvotes
Adrian Jones
good to know, thanks
30 upvotes
Gabriella Sanders
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great Mediterranean places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
29 upvotes
Naomi Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 29, moved here 10 years ago from Tampa. I've lived in Riverside and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Can feel isolated
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Tampa, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K 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.
23 upvotes
Melanie Price
I've lived in West for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Baltimore, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- The food scene scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
20 upvotes
Vivian Cruz
glad someone said it
18 upvotes
Ashley A.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want dating scene, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Colton Clark
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Feel free to reach out with questions..
16 upvotes
Emilia E.
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The cost of living is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Leonardo Allen
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 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 Austin, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Diverse dining options
- The pet-friendliness scene is tough
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
13 upvotes
Matthew J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
12 upvotes
Ethan Rogers
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
dallasmama2026
underrated comment
11 upvotes
Harper Walker
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.
10 upvotes
Isabelle Brown
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
James Gomez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 12 years. Moved from Boston for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
true_elizabeth74
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Boston it's pretty good.
6 upvotes
Nicholas F.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
4 upvotes
Josiah Alvarez
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor recreation is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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