We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Rent is about $703/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $165,000, which is actually reasonable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
9 upvotes
13 Replies
Andrew Harris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. I love the pace of life here. Worth doing your research before committing.
39 upvotes
Alexander Anderson
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Jean P.
couldn't agree more
33 upvotes
Anna R.
hmm interesting perspective
29 upvotes
Andrew D.
noted, appreciate it
28 upvotes
David Brown
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Fairview area are average. Kids love it here.
27 upvotes
desert_aria99
accurate
26 upvotes
Emma R.
big facts right here
24 upvotes
Brooklyn
thanks for sharing
9 upvotes
Cora
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from LA and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's tough for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in marketing. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
8 upvotes
Lori P.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 25, moved here 12 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for families. excellent 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 Houston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
5 upvotes
Lucas Scott
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
5 upvotes
Declan Sanders
I've lived in The Heights for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The traffic scene is improving
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
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