So, Rent is about $2,905/month for a decent place. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Let me know your thoughts. Any help is appreciated.
28 upvotes
7 Replies
Emma M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally surprisingly good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
dc_rylee
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
26 upvotes
alexa_vibes
it depends on the neighborhood
24 upvotes
Dominic Kim
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
24 upvotes
Autumn Ortiz
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
17 upvotes
Nevaeh James
thanks for sharing
13 upvotes
Natalie
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 38, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Old Town and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Close to major attractions
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Limited shopping options
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Portland, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K 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.