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Caroline Baker
best-worst
Top 5 things I love about Lake Charles
Let me know your thoughts. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to.
23 upvotes
27 Replies
Vivian Ross
it depends on the neighborhood
40 upvotes
Jackson Adams
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Eastside for 2 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are improving. 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 public transit options. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Ian Walker
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is healthcare. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Matthew Allen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in East and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Property taxes are high
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
36 upvotes
Dylan Alvarez
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is challenging in most areas.
34 upvotes
Bella Gonzalez
been saying this for years
32 upvotes
Sophie
I've lived in South for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Four distinct seasons
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Definitely worth checking out..
31 upvotes
Angel M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 6 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are challenging. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 6 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. healthcare 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is decent - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are challenging. 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Santiago Young
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to San Diego it's surprisingly good.
26 upvotes
Noah Hughes
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Waylon Watson
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
22 upvotes
Jack
spot on
21 upvotes
Genesis B.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to San Francisco it's excellent.
18 upvotes
Samuel N.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 11 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is traffic. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
18 upvotes
bennett_dude
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are average, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
13 upvotes
Savannah Perez
great question, following
12 upvotes
Mason Edwards
preach
12 upvotes
Josiah Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 43, moved here 11 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Highland and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$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.
12 upvotes
Walter T.
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
10 upvotes
Lucas Thomas
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Oak Park side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
9 upvotes
Grace T.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
9 upvotes
Noah Campbell
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Emily Torres
couldn't agree more
6 upvotes
Hailey Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 33, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a electrician, 33, moved here 4 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Riverside and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for singles. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
3 upvotes
Delilah O.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 41, moved here 9 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Uptown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The walkability situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for families. surprisingly good 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 Chicago, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
3 upvotes
Mia Walker
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
2 upvotes
Quinn Johnson
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
0 upvotes