We're a young couple and It's a a smaller city city with about 66,801 people. Average temperature is around 62--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
28 upvotes
30 Replies
Grace Martinez
I work in legal here and it's not perfect but it works for me. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
39 upvotes
Isabelle Edwards
this is the way
37 upvotes
Cheryl M.
preach
36 upvotes
Nova H.
accurate
36 upvotes
Carson Brooks
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Paisley Lewis
yep
34 upvotes
Noah King
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Mateo Kelly
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in engineering. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Logan F.
interesting, hadn't considered that
29 upvotes
Ethan C.
great question, following
29 upvotes
Benjamin Cooper
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Eastside side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
28 upvotes
Brittany N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Nashville about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is solid.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Henry Nguyen
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
Paul M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2022 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:**
finance is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Eleanor Clark
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
17 upvotes
Skylar Kelly
accurate
17 upvotes
Madelyn Gonzalez
same here
16 upvotes
Emma R.
Saving this thread
16 upvotes
Andrew Evans
+1
15 upvotes
Isaac Rodriguez
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the North side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
14 upvotes
Vivian D.
I've lived in Sunset for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Good internet infrastructure
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
14 upvotes
Adam W.
Totally agree!
13 upvotes
Jacob O.
Weather-wise, the summers are hit or miss and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Leo Garcia
yep
8 upvotes
Levi Reyes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
8 upvotes
Caroline Ruiz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 29, moved here 7 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Lakewood and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Can feel isolated
3. The weather situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. underrated 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 hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K 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.
7 upvotes
Maya Ramirez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 8 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Nice parks and green spaces
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Diego, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K 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.
5 upvotes
Wesley Y.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Feel free to reach out with questions..
4 upvotes
Evan
great question, following
2 upvotes
Rylee Anderson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 16 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Korean.
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