Hey, My family moved here when I was a kid. Crime rate is something to consider -Evansville sits at 612.6 per 100K. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. The city has invested a lot in new development. Does this match your experience? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
38 upvotes
13 Replies
Jace Hall
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Mexican places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
35 upvotes
eleanor_native
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 6 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Westside and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. decent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Houston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$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.
32 upvotes
Ethan Stewart
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely underrated and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. My neighborhood (Downtown) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Limited high-paying job options.
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.
31 upvotes
Olivia H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 49, moved here 4 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Oak Park and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for couples. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Phoenix, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
27 upvotes
Riley Robinson
literally same
24 upvotes
Isabella A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 36, moved here 5 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Riverside and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Homeless population growing downtown
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for young professionals. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific 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.
21 upvotes
Grace Turner
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Feel free to reach out with questions..
17 upvotes
Josiah Reyes
I've lived in Lakewood for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from San Diego, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good healthcare facilities
- The public transit scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Alexa Anderson
spot on
16 upvotes
nashville_ella
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Nova Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 12 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
10 upvotes
Jameson P.
as a local I can confirm
6 upvotes
Julia Cox
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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