I work in energy and Crime rate is something to consider -Hawthorne sits at 728.5 per 100K. The unemployment rate is 5.4%, which is about average. Homes are going for about $813,700 on average. Average temperature is around 61--F, so the weather is moderate. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Has anyone dealt with this? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
4 upvotes
29 Replies
Katherine Richardson
My experience has been mostly positive. I'm still on the fence after all this time. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Mason Collins
I've lived in Fairview for about 8 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 Seattle, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cultural scene scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
William A.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
34 upvotes
isabelle_runner
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
33 upvotes
Emilia Gray
accurate
31 upvotes
Ruby Davis
haha yep pretty much
28 upvotes
Wesley Martin
I'm a teacher and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
28 upvotes
Angel Gonzalez
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
27 upvotes
Daniel Evans
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
25 upvotes
Alexa M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
24 upvotes
Greyson W.
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
alice_mind
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Joseph
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in engineering. If you're in construction you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Anna Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely decent and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Sunset) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. walkability 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.
22 upvotes
Julia P.
hard disagree but ok
19 upvotes
Eva Wright
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 11 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Evan M.
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is weather. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Luna Harris
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The pet-friendliness is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
16 upvotes
Jace M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Houston about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Hope this helps!.
16 upvotes
Peyton Reyes
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely pretty good and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Midtown) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
14 upvotes
Paisley Jimenez
Came here for school and stayed because it's not perfect but it works for me. The public transit is honestly excellent and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
10 upvotes
Theodore Ortiz
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
8 upvotes
Jose Thomas
thanks for sharing
7 upvotes
Kai S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Internet is solid in most areas.
7 upvotes
Camila Parker
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I genuinely enjoy living here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
7 upvotes
Owen R.
great question, following
6 upvotes
Nicholas Wright
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 50, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in North and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for retirees. challenging 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$120K 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.
5 upvotes
Christian Hernandez
lol so true
4 upvotes
Dominic Reed
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
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