OK so I'm a 44-year-old pharmacist and Poverty rate is 12.9%, which is around average. Average temperature is around 65--F, so the weather is moderate. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
2 Replies
Caleb D.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 4 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
11 upvotes
Carolyn C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. No regrets on my end..
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