Not sure if this has been asked before, but Crime rate is something to consider -Cupertino sits at 91.1 per 100K. Median household income is $231,139, which feels pretty solid for the area. Rent is about $3,501/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $2,000,001 on average. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
7 upvotes
12 Replies
Isabelle Richardson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 2 years. Moved from New York for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. finance 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is decent - we have mountains 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 surprisingly good. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Gabriel A.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much established but now it's improving.
38 upvotes
Elijah Reyes
I work in consulting here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is excellent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
36 upvotes
Johnny W.
nah I disagree
35 upvotes
Leonardo K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 28, moved here 5 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Highland and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The school system situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for singles. improving 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 Boston, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K 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.
31 upvotes
Eliana G.
this is the way
31 upvotes
theodore_runner
100%
19 upvotes
Violet Allen
I've lived in Lakewood for about 4 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 Pittsburgh, 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
- Good schools in most areas
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Hope this helps!.
17 upvotes
Lucy W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are challenging, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Riley Adams
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Sunset area are average. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Isla Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Houston for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are better than expected. 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. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
David
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is improving in most areas.
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