Curious what people think. Been living here since 2019. Poverty rate is 29.9%, which is higher than I expected. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Does this match your experience? Looking forward to hearing from you all. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
4 upvotes
6 Replies
Willow Murphy
good to know, thanks
38 upvotes
Delilah B.
100%
33 upvotes
Wyatt P.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
25 upvotes
Isla B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 42, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in South and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Limited shopping options
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Dallas, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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
Jose Rogers
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Seattle it's better than expected.
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