Anyone else feel this way? Poverty rate is 10.6%, which is around average. The median home value here is around $369,600, which seems about average. Median household income is $68,650, which feels about average for the area. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Would love some local perspective. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
56 upvotes
25 Replies
Adeline Baker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
38 upvotes
Cora Jackson
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in West. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in finance. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
Kayden Thomas
lol so true
37 upvotes
Reagan C.
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
37 upvotes
Luca Kim
it depends on the neighborhood
36 upvotes
Mia J.
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. traffic used to be much reasonable but now it's tough.
33 upvotes
Allison Ortiz
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
32 upvotes
Easton Cooper
I've lived in Lakewood for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The walkability scene is average
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Jesse L.
I've lived in Fairview for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
30 upvotes
Scarlett L.
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
25 upvotes
Gianna W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 7 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. marketing 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. East 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Carson Ramos
Came here for work and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The safety is honestly decent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
18 upvotes
Ruby Roberts
Used to live on the Maple Ridge side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
12 upvotes
Everly
This.
12 upvotes
Camila T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Raleigh it's improving.
10 upvotes
Jose R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 1 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Sunset and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for couples. excellent 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 San Francisco, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$130K 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.
10 upvotes
Savannah L.
exactly what I was thinking
8 upvotes
Jace
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 53, moved here 8 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in South and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Charlotte, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K 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.
8 upvotes
Kinsley Green
Came here for retirement and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The food scene is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
7 upvotes
Sophie Rogers
honestly same experience here
7 upvotes
bostonrunner2024
hmm interesting perspective
6 upvotes
Eva Johnson
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Italian places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
5 upvotes
Nova Smith
I've lived in South for about 14 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 Nashville, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Lots of new development happening
- The weather scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
3 upvotes
Gabriella Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely excellent and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (South) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. school system is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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