I'm a college student here and With a population of 5,292, Kensington is a small town. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good.
14 upvotes
6 Replies
Chloe T.
accurate
36 upvotes
Adam J.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Lakewood and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The cultural scene situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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.
30 upvotes
Adeline Myers
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is improving.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Good luck with whatever you decide..
29 upvotes
Lily Robinson
underrated comment
15 upvotes
thomas_lover
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Westside area are tough. Kids love it here.
6 upvotes
Camila Peterson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 1 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are stable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are average. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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