First post here. The median home value here is around $738,800, which is pretty steep. Median household income is $84,337, which feels pretty solid for the area. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Anyone in a similar situation?
29 upvotes
16 Replies
Patricia H.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 1 years. Moved from San Francisco for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail 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:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Kennedy James
I've lived in Sunset for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The traffic scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Ariana Phillips
preach
31 upvotes
Carter Peterson
preach
30 upvotes
Delilah H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 3 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are established, gas is average.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
Connor Jimenez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 3 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into biking, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
28 upvotes
Emilia Chavez
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 44, moved here 12 years ago from Nashville. I've lived in Pine Hills and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The traffic situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Nashville, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
24 upvotes
Joseph T.
I work in healthcare here and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
Sophia J.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The East side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
22 upvotes
Lydia Baker
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Adeline Hernandez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 6 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into camping, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Peyton Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 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:**
hospitality is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are tough. 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 entertainment options. Far from beaches/mountains. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
16 upvotes
Piper W.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Austin, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Affordable housing options
- The traffic scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Happy to answer more specific questions..
10 upvotes
Parker Davis
glad someone said it
7 upvotes
Quinn B.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 29, moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Good schools in most areas
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Property taxes are high
3. The housing market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Phoenix, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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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