I'm originally from San Francisco and You can expect to pay around $734 for rent here. Rent is about $734/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $45,197 in Hillsboro. It's a a small town city with about 6,539 people. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. Let me know your thoughts. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The weather takes some getting used to. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
13 upvotes
9 Replies
Waylon Kelly
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 2 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. construction 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is improving - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are surprisingly good. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Nolan
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Dallas about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Affordable housing options
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are established, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
36 upvotes
Judith J.
haha yep pretty much
22 upvotes
Isla White
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
14 upvotes
Daniel Rogers
Moved here from Nashville about 15 years ago. the quality of life is solid. Still getting used to job market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
13 upvotes
Grace Lee
lol so true
13 upvotes
Isaac Ramirez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Minneapolis it's average.
11 upvotes
Ryan Taylor
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in West area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
9 upvotes
Julian Ross
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it was the best decision I ever made. Compared to Tampa it's average.
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