Longtime lurker here, I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. Average temperature is around 68--F, so the weather is moderate. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
7 upvotes
8 Replies
Austin Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 1 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
austin_madelyn
Saving this thread
38 upvotes
Aurora Smith
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
34 upvotes
Brooks S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
30 upvotes
Nora P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 50, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
22 upvotes
Peyton Perez
as a local I can confirm
18 upvotes
Chloe White
I've lived in Lakewood for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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