Been meaning to ask this. I'm a college student here and Household incomes average around $153,273 in Harrison. Poverty rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 52--F, so expect cold winters. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Low crime in most areas
- Diverse community
- Easy commute
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons:
- Traffic can be terrible
- Rising rent prices
- Few job opportunities in some fields
- Poor road conditions
- Not enough green space
Any advice would be great. Cheers. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
5 upvotes
21 Replies
Brian R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
40 upvotes
Bennett Gomez
interesting, hadn't considered that
38 upvotes
Aiden R.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Boston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Dominic
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 9 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is tough.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Old Town side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
38 upvotes
Henry Phillips
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 3 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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:**
healthcare is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Hunter Chavez
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Meadowbrook. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in government. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Ava Ruiz
Saving this thread
30 upvotes
Peyton Gutierrez
big facts right here
27 upvotes
Julian Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 15 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
27 upvotes
Andrew
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Westside for 4 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
education is strong here. construction 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. Westside schools are hit or miss. 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. Nightlife is limited. Dating scene is rough. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Gabriel Jones
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
23 upvotes
Samuel Smith
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Houston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is solid.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
21 upvotes
Ryan Adams
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is walkability. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
19 upvotes
Eleanor Roberts
As someone who grew up here, I have mixed feelings honestly. A lot has changed in the past few years though. dating scene used to be much competitive but now it's underrated.
16 upvotes
Adam Gutierrez
glad someone said it
14 upvotes
Caroline Mitchell
Came here for family and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
William Nelson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 14 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail 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 was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - 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. Downtown 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. Homeless population growing downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Willow Myers
couldn't agree more
10 upvotes
Amelia Perez
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
8 upvotes
Sean P.
this is the way
7 upvotes
loving_emilia26
As someone who grew up here, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much growing but now it's excellent.
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