Alright, Does this match your experience? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
5 upvotes
14 Replies
Mason H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Nashville about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Leo Cooper
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Easton M.
preach
35 upvotes
Mason
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 57, moved here 3 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Sunset and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The safety situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Austin, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
34 upvotes
violet_native
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Oak Park. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Definitely worth checking out..
24 upvotes
Zoe Gonzalez
not my experience at all
22 upvotes
Sophia
Weather-wise, the summers are average and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Elijah Carter
I've lived in Lakewood for about 5 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 Austin, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The housing market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
oaklandguy2025
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 9 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. consulting 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 hit or miss - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are average. 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 high-paying job options. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Leah Martin
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..