Hey everyone, Poverty rate is 7.5%, which is pretty low. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. What are your go-to spots? Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Camila K.
Used to live on the North side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
James Patel
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 57, moved here 8 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Active local events and festivals
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. improving vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
37 upvotes
Maya Allen
I've lived in Riverside for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The pet-friendliness scene is improving
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Jace Gomez
lol so true
30 upvotes
cora_dude
yeah no that's not right
29 upvotes
Eugene W.
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Fairview area are improving. Kids love it here.
28 upvotes
Matthew Watson
Used to live on the North side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
22 upvotes
Claire Williams
accurate
19 upvotes
boston_eva
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 8 years. Moved from San Francisco for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. healthcare 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 not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
4 upvotes
Violet P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Cedar Grove for 12 years. Moved from LA for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is solid - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Cedar Grove schools are better than expected. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
3 upvotes
columbussoul2022
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
1 upvotes
Wyatt Stewart
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is tough.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
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