I relocated for work and Poverty rate is 2.0%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Anyone in a similar situation? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
13 upvotes
15 Replies
Brooklyn H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 5 years. Moved from Denver for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
engineering is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are challenging. 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
columbusrider2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 35, moved here 11 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in Westside and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for couples. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: 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 San Diego, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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
vegas_kennedy
same here
26 upvotes
vegaslocal2022
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Tampa about 8 years ago. The main reasons were work and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good schools in most areas
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is challenging.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
John C.
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
24 upvotes
Elizabeth Robinson
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Maple Ridge area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
20 upvotes
Cora Turner
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Korean places. the quality of life is solid.
20 upvotes
Adam Hall
I've lived in Lakewood for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for families. No regrets on my end..
18 upvotes
Maverick Alvarez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 1 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The North side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
15 upvotes
real_vivian26
literally same
10 upvotes
Amber A.
I've lived in South for about 14 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 New York, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The outdoor recreation scene is decent
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Nolan Gray
Used to live on the Meadowbrook side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
8 upvotes
Leonardo Carter
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
6 upvotes
lamama2021
interesting, hadn't considered that
2 upvotes
Paisley Edwards
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if pet-friendliness matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
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