Hi all, Poverty rate is 7.2%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,114 for rent here. Homes are going for about $159,000 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Should I be concerned? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years.
6 upvotes
6 Replies
Laura C.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is excellent in most areas.
38 upvotes
Silas Torres
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's better than expected for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in marketing. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
Eli Diaz
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it was the best decision I ever made.
21 upvotes
Benjamin Chavez
good to know, thanks
18 upvotes
Piper Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
16 upvotes
Amelia Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 41, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in East and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The housing market situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for remote workers. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 LA, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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