First post here. I'm a 33-year-old HR manager and Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Goodwin sits at 210.1 per 100K. Homes are going for about $670,200 on average. Median household income is $104,028, which feels pretty solid for the area. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Let me know your thoughts. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
10 upvotes
6 Replies
Hannah Richardson
hmm interesting perspective
33 upvotes
Ella
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 58, moved here 15 years ago from Boston. I've lived in The Heights and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - 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 job market situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for remote workers. decent vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 Boston, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K 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.
32 upvotes
Cooper R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value outdoor recreation, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Seattle, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
John Wright
Totally agree!
22 upvotes
abigail_mind
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cultural scene, then yeah this place is great. But if food scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
15 upvotes
Olivia Watson
Used to live on the Greenfield side, now on the East side. Completely different vibe. I love the pace of life here.