Couple moving to Lake Forest Park from out of state
Just moved here 1 months ago and Rent is about $2,205/month for a decent place. Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $158,868 in Lake Forest Park. With a population of 13,356, Lake Forest Park is a small town. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Caleb C.
Used to live on the The Heights side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
40 upvotes
Jace Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are developing, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Adam Morales
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Minneapolis about 2 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
Connor Morris
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Scarlett Howard
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 48, moved here 4 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in North and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The outdoor recreation situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Charlotte, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $100K-$70K 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.
25 upvotes
Everly Ruiz
lol so true
24 upvotes
Hailey Diaz
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Compared to Nashville it's hit or miss.
19 upvotes
phoenix_gabriel
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
15 upvotes
Weston Castillo
I've lived in Uptown for about 9 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 New York, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- The school system scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Dating scene is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
14 upvotes
Eliana Ortiz
literally same
10 upvotes
local_levi50
preach
9 upvotes
Nova Moore
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 58, moved here 2 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in The Heights and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The cost of living situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for couples. average 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 tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
7 upvotes
Delilah C.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
4 upvotes
Reagan Phillips
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's excellent.
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