Longtime lurker here, It's a a small town city with about 19,672 people. Homes are going for about $601,300 on average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Any advice would be great. Thanks! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
11 upvotes
7 Replies
Hannah R.
I work in education here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is improving. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Josiah Brown
bump
37 upvotes
Jace R.
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
27 upvotes
Amelia A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The job market situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$140K 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.
20 upvotes
Carter Foster
Bought a house here in 2022 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
19 upvotes
Jace Adams
haha yep pretty much
15 upvotes
Elizabeth Williams
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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