Hey folks, I'm a remote worker and Rent is about $1,205/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 3.4%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Kentwood sits at 309.9 per 100K. Poverty rate is 6.2%, which is pretty low. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Good schools
- Lots of new development
- Good airport connections
Cons:
- Cold winters
- Sprawl everywhere
- Lack of diversity
- Boring for young people
- Mosquitoes and humidity
Am I wrong here? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
6 upvotes
19 Replies
Adrian Wright
As someone who grew up here, it's not perfect but it works for me. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much growing but now it's solid.
36 upvotes
Adeline M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Houston and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Indian.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
34 upvotes
Kayden Murphy
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
31 upvotes
Ava Rivera
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Fairview area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
30 upvotes
Elizabeth S.
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Korean places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
21 upvotes
Evan Ramos
Moved here from Austin about 12 years ago. it's been a really good experience overall. Still getting used to nightlife but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
19 upvotes
Wyatt F.
Totally agree!
19 upvotes
Aubrey Green
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 47, moved here 10 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Pine Hills and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: 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 Miami, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K 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.
17 upvotes
Dylan Rodriguez
I've lived in South for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The job market scene is decent
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for retirees. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Gianna Murphy
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Raleigh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Homeless population growing downtown
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
16 upvotes
Avery Thomas
hmm interesting perspective
13 upvotes
Levi Garcia
Bought a house here in 2016 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Natalie W.
Saving this thread
10 upvotes
Jameson Cruz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Portland about 13 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Good luck with whatever you decide..
6 upvotes
Peyton Rogers
wish I knew this sooner
5 upvotes
Caleb L.
haha yep pretty much
4 upvotes
Eva Jimenez
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.
3 upvotes
Jonathan Moore
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Nashville about 3 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Definitely worth checking out..
All Countries
