Hi all, Poverty rate is 14.5%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $186,600, which is actually reasonable. You can expect to pay around $912 for rent here. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
12 upvotes
7 Replies
Brielle Bailey
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
36 upvotes
Walter R.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Highland side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
32 upvotes
Ezra Wright
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
detroitvibes2023
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Tampa and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Eastside. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Clara Richardson
big facts right here
15 upvotes
Cora
I'm a data analyst and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
3 upvotes
Cora Morris
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a real estate agent, 53, moved here 1 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in The Heights and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $70K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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