Been meaning to ask this. I'm a 33-year-old electrician and Rent is about $1,384/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $80,686 in Lakeside. You can expect to pay around $1,384 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any advice would be great. TIA! Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
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Luna White
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 57, moved here 7 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in Cedar Grove and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. improving 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 San Francisco, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$110K 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.