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Andrew Sanders
jobs
Career opportunities in Lakewood Ranch, FL
Random thought, Homes are going for about $626,500 on average. The weather takes some getting used to.
6 upvotes
15 Replies
Anna Ramirez
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great Asian places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
40 upvotes
Eliana Watson
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 5 years here, that's my honest assessment.
35 upvotes
Carol H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Minneapolis about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Feel free to reach out with questions..
32 upvotes
Oliver Gray
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the South side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
31 upvotes
Violet Price
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I've been here 5 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
29 upvotes
Sophie Ortiz
bump
24 upvotes
Mateo Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Denver about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Denver about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Good schools in most areas
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Lydia Sanchez
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is safety. I have mixed feelings honestly. Worth doing your research before committing.
22 upvotes
Jonathan B.
same here
18 upvotes
Timothy C.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Uptown side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
16 upvotes
Leah Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Highland for 3 years. Moved from Miami for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland 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. Property taxes are high. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
15 upvotes
Wesley L.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it exceeded my expectations. Internet is tough in most areas.
12 upvotes
Austin Ruiz
as a local I can confirm
8 upvotes
Isla Cruz
Used to live on the Sunset side, now on the Greenfield side. Completely different vibe. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
2 upvotes
Emmett Gutierrez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in East for 5 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Nightlife is limited. Urban sprawl is real. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
1 upvotes