Alright, Born and raised here. Median household income is $42,524, which feels on the lower side for the area. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Has anyone dealt with this? Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
23 upvotes
3 Replies
William M.
hmm interesting perspective
30 upvotes
Adrian Brown
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 53, moved here 1 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Lakewood and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The public transit situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for remote workers. tough vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $50K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.
14 upvotes
Sofia Reyes
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Riverside. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in tech. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
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