Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $69,057, which feels about average for the area. Poverty rate is 8.2%, which is pretty low. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development.
4 upvotes
12 Replies
Robert Ortiz
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
39 upvotes
sf_nathan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 14 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
Eleanor R.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 6 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
34 upvotes
Claire R.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Olivia Baker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Portland about 2 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is average.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Wesley Roberts
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 11 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Brooklyn G.
lol so true
26 upvotes
wyatt_heart
accurate
23 upvotes
Natalie M.
Moved here from Portland about 5 years ago. it's exactly what I was looking for. Still getting used to community vibe but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Robert Walker
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
22 upvotes
Miles Clark
I'm a social worker and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is average and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
dc_mateo
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 1 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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