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Allison S.
moving
Relocating to Glendale, AZ — pros and cons?
With a population of 250K, Glendale is a mid-size city. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Thanks!
14 upvotes
17 Replies
Zoe James
I work in hospitality here and it's been a really good experience overall. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
Grayson C.
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
- The dating scene scene is tough
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
33 upvotes
Audrey
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Fairview area are hit or miss. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Jacob Turner
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Happy to answer more specific questions..
29 upvotes
sf_wesley
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The housing market is underrated compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Judith L.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
I've been here 9 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
nola_evan
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 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:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2017 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:**
finance is strong here. real estate 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 underrated. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
Elena
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Uptown for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. manufacturing 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 decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Uptown for 8 years. Moved from Seattle for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
manufacturing is strong here. manufacturing 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 decent - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Uptown 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Sadie Parker
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
11 upvotes
Sarah Sanchez
not my experience at all
11 upvotes
Thomas Hernandez
great question, following
10 upvotes
Lily Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. North schools are average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. North schools are average. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Madelyn Cox
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Dallas about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Happy to answer more specific questions..
6 upvotes
Theodore L.
Used to live on the Riverside side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. I have mixed feelings honestly.
6 upvotes
Kinsley P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Chicago about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Angel Gutierrez
literally same
2 upvotes
Julia L.
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.
2 upvotes