So, Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
10 upvotes
14 Replies
Victoria P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 10 years. Moved from Austin for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
finance is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset 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. Urban sprawl is real. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Lillian Gonzalez
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in North area are solid. Kids love it here.
29 upvotes
Rylee
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 5 years. Moved from Houston for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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 hit or miss. 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. Limited public transit options. Rising rent and home prices. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
29 upvotes
Samuel M.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The school system is honestly underrated and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
29 upvotes
Nicholas W.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The food scene is genuinely tough and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Highland) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Portland, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
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.
28 upvotes
Cora Miller
hmm interesting perspective
28 upvotes
Levi Chavez
lol so true
24 upvotes
Sadie Baker
I've lived in Springfield for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by healthcare. 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 community vibe scene is decent
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
20 upvotes
Waylon B.
accurate
15 upvotes
Paisley Ward
not my experience at all
13 upvotes
Rylee Ramirez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely decent and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Oak Park) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
13 upvotes
Emma Ross
Moved here from Austin about 4 years ago. I love the pace of life here. Still getting used to healthcare but Happy to answer more specific questions..
7 upvotes
Joshua Sanders
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
4 upvotes
Natalie Hughes
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is dating scene. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.