I'm single, late 40s, and You can expect to pay around $1,351 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Lake Los Angeles sits at 530.9 per 100K. The median home value here is around $284,800, which seems about average. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Does this match your experience? Cheers. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
2 upvotes
14 Replies
Stella H.
Totally agree!
37 upvotes
kaylee_guy
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 57, moved here 13 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Old Town and Westside, 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. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. hit or miss 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K 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.
34 upvotes
Isabelle Scott
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
fresnorider2021
preach
29 upvotes
chill_xavier2
bump
27 upvotes
Isla Walker
bump
27 upvotes
Willie L.
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Indian places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
26 upvotes
Robert
I work in finance here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is underrated. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Sofia
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The nightlife scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Property taxes are high
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Happy to answer more specific questions..
22 upvotes
Natalie W.
this is the way
21 upvotes
Bella Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Charlotte about 9 years ago. The main reasons were school and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Four distinct seasons
- Close to major attractions
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Lily Y.
lol so true
6 upvotes
Savannah Kelly
as a local I can confirm
2 upvotes
born_bennett81
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Rising rent and home prices.
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.
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