Longtime lurker here, Been living here since 2012. The unemployment rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $414,900 on average. The median home value here is around $414,900, which is pretty steep. Poverty rate is 1.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Thoughts? The weather takes some getting used to. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Maya C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Isabelle Sanchez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Boston about 3 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Feel free to reach out with questions..
25 upvotes
Aaliyah G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 44, moved here 8 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Lakewood and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. solid vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
24 upvotes
James P.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say it's been a really good experience overall. The community vibe is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
19 upvotes
Cora Long
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is pet-friendliness. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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