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Thomas C.
living
Is Deer Park getting better or worse?
So, The weather takes some getting used to.
0 upvotes
18 Replies
Victoria
wish I knew this sooner
39 upvotes
Charles P.
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
38 upvotes
Owen
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 13 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Amelia Wood
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is tough. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
33 upvotes
Roman
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Greenfield. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Jordan K.
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
happy_olivia93
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is housing market. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
27 upvotes
Abigail D.
noted, appreciate it
25 upvotes
Lucas Lopez
We moved here with our family and I have mixed feelings honestly. Schools in Oak Park area are average. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Mateo L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Madeline
Used to live on the North side, now on the Downtown side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
17 upvotes
tulsamama2021
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The walkability situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$110K 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.
17 upvotes
Kayden
Bought a house here in 2020 and I love the pace of life here. Property values have gone about the same since then.
13 upvotes
lucas_girl
As someone who grew up here, I love the pace of life here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. community vibe used to be much pricey but now it's tough.
10 upvotes
Violet L.
been saying this for years
7 upvotes
Stella Parker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Westside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
lake_delilah77
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a teacher who relocated here from San Francisco about 11 years ago. The main reasons were weather and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good healthcare facilities
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
6 upvotes
Willow Gomez
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
2 upvotes