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Lily M.
housing
First time home buyer in Dallas
It's a a major city city with about 1.3M people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Let me know your thoughts.
48 upvotes
23 Replies
Maya Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Nashville about 1 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
40 upvotes
Mateo Perez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I genuinely enjoy living here. Internet is tough in most areas.
39 upvotes
Audrey T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
I've been here 15 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Emma
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
38 upvotes
everly_native
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
lake_aubrey3
Came here for quality of life and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The school system is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
31 upvotes
Eliana Richardson
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much pricey but now it's challenging.
29 upvotes
Landon Mitchell
yep
27 upvotes
Kaylee Cruz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Houston it's solid.
26 upvotes
Naomi Howard
Used to live on the Oak Park side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
23 upvotes
Scarlett Campbell
I've lived in Sunset for about 7 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 Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Vivian A.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 11 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Paisley Young
100%
18 upvotes
Alexa J.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 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 San Diego, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong sense of community
- The traffic scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for couples. No regrets on my end..
15 upvotes
Austin Lee
Bought a house here in 2021 and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
14 upvotes
Anna Brown
following this thread
13 upvotes
Beverly J.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is decent in most areas.
12 upvotes
Susan R.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The dating scene is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
11 upvotes
Ethan Mendoza
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 14 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
8 upvotes
Logan Carter
Bought a house here in 2015 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
6 upvotes
Miles Castillo
I've lived in Oak Park for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Everly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Greenfield. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in consulting. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
4 upvotes
Scarlett Cook
honestly same experience here
3 upvotes