Longtime lurker here, My family moved here when I was a kid. You can expect to pay around $1,361 for rent here. Average temperature is around 69--F, so the weather is moderate. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. What are your go-to spots?
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Savannah Diaz
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Lakewood area are tough. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
emma_native
The food scene here is tough. Tons of great sushi places. it's been a really good experience overall.
33 upvotes
Jose Hughes
Moved here from New York about 9 years ago. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Still getting used to cost of living but Feel free to reach out with questions..
31 upvotes
James Martinez
We moved here with our family and it exceeded my expectations. Schools in Riverside area are improving. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Oliver
glad someone said it
30 upvotes
Gianna Hall
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
Julian Turner
same here
25 upvotes
Mark S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
23 upvotes
Valentina R.
seconding this
20 upvotes
indyguy2020
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 4 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are improving. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Elena Anderson
this is the way
5 upvotes
Ezra
seconding this
2 upvotes
kcgirl2020
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
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