Not sure if this has been asked before, but You can expect to pay around $1,233 for rent here. The median home value here is around $225,900, which is actually reasonable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Does this match your experience?
5 upvotes
15 Replies
Silas Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Axel
following this thread
36 upvotes
Leah Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Rylee Ramos
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 8 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is average - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
Lillian Ward
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely improving and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Springfield) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
30 upvotes
Bennett W.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
28 upvotes
david_girl
same here
26 upvotes
jax_greyson
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in East area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Axel Martinez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
atl_gabriel
I've lived in South for about 10 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 Portland, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The school system scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
Olivia C.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 56, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Greenfield and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The school system situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
Leonardo Myers
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the Riverside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
15 upvotes
Ruby B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Lakewood and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
11 upvotes
Mackenzie H.
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Zoey T.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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