First post here. I'm a remote worker and The unemployment rate is 1.8%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
0 upvotes
9 Replies
Ariana Lewis
Came here for retirement and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
28 upvotes
Zoe W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 6 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are underrated. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
proud_jack31
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 9 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
19 upvotes
Andrew Walker
seconding this
16 upvotes
Daniel Reed
exactly what I was thinking
15 upvotes
Leonardo Jackson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely hit or miss and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
14 upvotes
Aria Cruz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 9 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
12 upvotes
Luca Ross
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is average in most areas.
3 upvotes
Jaxon Martinez
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I love the pace of life here.
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