Anyone else feel this way? Born and raised here. Poverty rate is 13.4%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $294,300, which seems about average. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 53,348 people. You can expect to pay around $1,278 for rent here. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. What do you all think? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
26 Replies
Logan Allen
Bought a house here in 2022 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
40 upvotes
Susan P.
Bought a house here in 2015 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone up significantly since then.
36 upvotes
Harper Long
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 8 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
35 upvotes
Eli Garcia
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Eastside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in finance. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
35 upvotes
Santiago C.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
31 upvotes
Allison W.
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Ariana Hall
I'm a lawyer and I've found the quality of life is solid. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
29 upvotes
Avery
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 39, moved here 2 years ago from LA. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
28 upvotes
Brooks Jimenez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in finance you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 10 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Ariana Bennett
preach
24 upvotes
Charlotte Allen
hmm interesting perspective
24 upvotes
Chloe Jones
couldn't agree more
24 upvotes
Kayla T.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Jace Morgan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 8 years. Moved from Denver for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are excellent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Alexa Ramirez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
21 upvotes
Arianna M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is walkability. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
20 upvotes
true_ryan40
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
16 upvotes
Ella H.
as a local I can confirm
13 upvotes
Audrey Reyes
Hot take but I have mixed feelings honestly. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
11 upvotes
Julia Walker
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 5 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are tough. 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. Property taxes are high. Homeless population growing downtown. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, 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.
11 upvotes
Julian Young
good to know, thanks
9 upvotes
Hunter Reed
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
Elena
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I genuinely enjoy living here. Compared to Miami it's underrated.
4 upvotes
Ryan Howard
accurate
1 upvotes
Gary M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 4 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Meadowbrook. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in government. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
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