Alright, I'm a remote worker and Poverty rate is 2.5%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $100,913, which feels pretty solid for the area. It's a a small town city with about 13,460 people. You can expect to pay around $1,104 for rent here. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
11 upvotes
3 Replies
Emmett R.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 1 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
kc_henry
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Henry Adams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in Oak Park and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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.
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