Hello, Poverty rate is 11.3%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Virginia M.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. food scene used to be much pricey but now it's average.
33 upvotes
Joshua A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 29, moved here 9 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Lakewood and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 Nashville, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
29 upvotes
Emilia Mendoza
This.
25 upvotes
Harper R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Emmett H.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from LA, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
18 upvotes
Maverick Phillips
great question, following
18 upvotes
indywalker2025
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
13 upvotes
Judith R.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in South area are underrated. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Weston D.
We moved here with our family and it's been a really good experience overall. Schools in West area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Luke
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Madeline Rivera
this is the way
6 upvotes
Mason
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Abigail M.
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
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