I'm a remote worker and You can expect to pay around $1,836 for rent here. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Would love some local perspective. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
14 upvotes
5 Replies
Katherine
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 31, moved here 10 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Uptown and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 San Francisco, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
37 upvotes
Melanie R.
Bought a house here in 2016 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
37 upvotes
John Murphy
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 13 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Thai.
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