Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 56--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
16 upvotes
12 Replies
Christian Smith
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The weather is genuinely average and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Highland) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. safety 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.
40 upvotes
Isaiah Brooks
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Lori K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 36, moved here 10 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The public transit situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
31 upvotes
Aubrey Carter
Bought a house here in 2023 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
28 upvotes
Aaron Walker
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Riverside area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
25 upvotes
Aaliyah Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 12 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
15 upvotes
Hannah Garcia
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The public transit is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
8 upvotes
Arianna Kelly
great question, following
8 upvotes
Ian N.
Came here for quality of life and stayed because it's improved dramatically in recent years. The cost of living is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
5 upvotes
Dylan Jones
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
4 upvotes
Sebastian Scott
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 35, moved here 13 years ago from New York. I've lived in The Heights and Highland, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The community vibe situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- Highland: 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 New York, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
2 upvotes
Lillian Bailey
I've lived in Downtown for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- The walkability scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
All Countries
