Hi all, My partner and I are Rent is about $993/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 2.1%, which is pretty low. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Looking forward to hearing from you all. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
8 upvotes
3 Replies
Laura R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Lakewood and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The safety situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. decent 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 Denver, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$70K 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.
28 upvotes
Carter Martin
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 45, moved here 2 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. challenging 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 Baltimore, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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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