My family moved here when I was a kid. It's a a small town city with about 20,437 people. The weather takes some getting used to. Thoughts? TIA! The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up.
4 upvotes
13 Replies
Sandra J.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
40 upvotes
Weston D.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Katherine Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Miami about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are affordable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Alice Wood
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Ezekiel Reyes
bump
29 upvotes
Naomi Lee
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 1 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the West side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Paisley Hill
This.
27 upvotes
Nicole S.
big facts right here
22 upvotes
nycdude2022
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
17 upvotes
Angel Patel
lol so true
8 upvotes
Isaac R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
6 upvotes
Anna Gomez
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
3 upvotes
Jordan D.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 30, moved here 13 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Francisco, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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